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                        Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
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                        Public Safety and Law Enforcement Toolkit


            
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                Public Safety and Law Enforcement Toolkit
    

    
    
        
          This toolkit is designed to assist law enforcement and public safety entities in operating and handling situations involving drones or UAS.

Download and print our Law Enforcement Pocket Card (PDF)
	Download our Drones in Public Safety: A Guide to Starting Operations (PDF)
	State and Local Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (PDF)
	Letter to COA Holders – Statutory Requirement to Register UAS
	(November 5, 2014) (PDF)
	First Responder Tactical Beyond Visual Line of Sight (TBVLOS) 91.113 Waiver Guide (PDF)Webinar: Drone Safety: It's the Law
The use of drones in our nation's airspace is rapidly increasing, which raises both opportunities and challenges for public safety and government officials. Learn more about how your authority allows you to take action and respond to unauthorized or unsafe drone operations. Watch the webinar.

Advisory Circular (AC) 00-1.1B
Government or government-contracted aircraft operations must obtain COA from the FAA prior to operations.Advisory Circular 00-1.1B, Public Aircraft Operations

Small UAS Rule Part 107
This rule contains safety regulations for drones weighing less than 55 pounds.Summary of the Part 107 Rule (PDF)Fly under the Small UAS RuleAdvisory Circular 107-2 (PDF)

The Exception for Recreational Flyers
People who fly their drone, UAS, or model aircraft for fun are considered recreational flyers.Recreational Flyers & Modeler Community-Based OrganizationsAuthorization for limited recreational operations as described in section 44809 (PDF)Advisory Circular 91-57B – Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft

Mobile Apps
The FAA's B4UFly App assists users in determining where they can and can't fly. Law enforcement and public safety agencies can use it to determine where they can operate drones or whether drone operations are authorized in a specific location or not.

Public Safety Small Drone Playbook

Drones are being safely integrated into our national airspace for recreational, commercial, and public safety uses. However, unauthorized operations can cause potential hazards to people and property both in the air and on the ground. Our Public Safety Small Drone Playbook is intended to be used as an informational resource for public safety officials conducting investigations regarding drones. The Playbook can assist in determining the difference between authorized and non-authorized drone operations and what potential actions public safety might take.

Drone Response Playbook for Public Safety (PDF)
	Supplement to the Drone Response Playbook for Public Safety
      
        

          Last updated: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 U.S. Department of Transportation

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