Source: https://www.altitude-university.com/blog/faa-waiver
Timestamp: 2020-01-28 05:21:10
Document Index: 711075466

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 107', '§107', 'art_107', 'art 107', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 4']

FAA Waiver Process
In this article we will review the different steps a commercial drone pilot must take in order to acquire an FAA Daylight Operation Waiver (107.29 Daylight Waiver). If you are wondering what some of the use cases might be for an FAA Daylight Operation Waiver to fly your sUAS at night, I’ve outlined a few below…
To mitigate risk, the FAA’s Part 107 Rule limits sUAS use to daylight, and civil twilight with the use of proper anti-collision lights. Remote Pilot’s should not operate their sUAS during the period of civil twilight unless the aircraft has lighted anti-collision lights visible for at least 3 statute miles. So, if you are thinking about operating your drone during the 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise, then you will not need a Daylight Operation waiver to proceed ONLY if you are using anti-collision lights.
When filling out the Waiver Safety Explanation field in the operational waiver application, applicants must 1. Describe their proposed operation, and 2. The Possible Risk Associated With The Operation, As Well As The Methods You Will Use To Mitigate The Risks.
1. Describe The Proposed Operation:
Where do you plan to operate
Do you want to fly in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D & surface E)?
If yes, please see 14 CFR §107.41 and Airspace Authorization Request page
What kind of areas will you fly over?
Small UAS Details -
What is your UAS’s power or energy source?
What is your UAS’s maximum flight time (In minutes), range (In feet), and speed (In miles per hour).
How do you ensure the aircraft onlu flies where it is directed (ie. ensure containment)?
What, if any, external or internal load (or object) could be dropped from the aircraft when flying, and how will you assure the safety of people, or other people’s property if it is dropped or detached when flying?
Pilot/Personnel Details -
The FAA has outlined 5 Specific Guidelines to obtaining a Daylight Operation Waiver
5 Specific Guideline Questions
Example Response Ideas: This is where you will want to explain in detail how the Pilot in Command will maintain visual line of sight with the sUAS at all times. Keep in mind, you will be flying at night so it would be beneficial to include that you will be flying with the assistance of anti-collision lights attached to your sUAS. Also, will you be flying with the help of a Visual Observer (VO)? Describe what procedures you have determined to be the most effective when communication with everyone involved in the safety of the mission.
Example Response Ideas: The great thing about this application, is it gives you time to scout the mission site before submitting. Explain the controlled operating space, and the details of the location that would assist in keeping the mission confined to the point of interest. If the point of interest is located in the center of the site, it would be great to describe the launch area and the conditions surrounding. Also, describe the actions you will take to ensure you are on the same page with you visual observer that will clarify your attempt to avoid collisions at all cost. You might want to sit down with your Visual Observer during this section of the application to detail the methods used to scan the sky for potential hazards or obstructions.
There are many different types of visual illusions that commonly occur at night. Anticipating and maintaining awareness of them is usually the best way to avoid them
Autokinesis: is caused by staring at a single point of light against a dark background for more than a few seconds. After a few moments, the light appears to move on its own. Apparent movement of the light source will begin in about 8 to 10 seconds. To prevent this illusion, focus the eyes on objects at varying distances and avoid fixating on one source of light. This illusion can be eliminated or reduced by visual scanning, by increasing the number of lights, or by varying the light intensity. The most important of the three solutions is visual scanning. A light or lights should not be stared at for more than 10 seconds.
Reversible Perspective Illusion: At night, an aircraft may appear to be moving away from a second aircraft when it is, in fact, approaching a second aircraft. This illusion often occurs when an aircraft is flying parallel to another’s course. To determine the direction of flight, pilots should observe aircraft lights and their relative position to the horizon. If the intensity of the lights increases, the aircraft is approaching; if the lights dim, the aircraft is moving away.
Size-Distance Illusion: This illusion results from viewing a source of light that is increasing or decreasing in luminance (brightness). Pilots may interpret the light as approaching or retreating.
Fascination (Fixation): This illusion occurs when pilots ignore orientation cues and fix their attention on a goal or an object. Student pilots tend to have this happen when they are concentrating on the aircraft instruments or attempting to land. They become fixated on one task and forget to look at what is going on around them. At night, this can be especially dangerous because aircraft
ground-closure rates are difficult to determine, and there may
be minimal time to correct the situation.
Flicker Vertigo: A light flickering at a rate between 4 and 20 cycles per second can produce unpleasant and dangerous reactions. Such conditions as nausea, vomiting, and vertigo may occur. On rare occasions, convulsions and unconsciousness may also occur. Proper scanning techniques at night can prevent pilots from getting flicker vertigo.
Describe how the visual conspicuity of the UA will be increased to be seen at a distance of at least 3 statute miles (mi).
Filling out the Application: Step-By-Step Process
The FAA states “... we will strive to review and issue decisions on waiver and authorization requests within 90 days.” Which, is why we urge you to submit your application at least 90 days prior to the mission.
You can fill out the application by logging in to your DroneZone Account: https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107_waivers/
Once you are logged in, navigate to your dashboard and scroll halfway down the page to the section below.
Choose the Button in the Bottom Left Corner Titled “Create Part 107 Waiver/Authorization”.
Select the bullet point Operational Waiver, and Start Application.
Operation Title: This will be used as a reference to the mission, for example “Daylight Operation Waiver for Construction Surveying & Inspection”
Responsible Party: This section is to be filled out by the individual responsible for the safety of the mission.
Note: This person does not have to be the Remote Pilot in Command.
Part 2: Waiver Application
Provide a description of your proposed operation without the technical details, but with sufficient information for the FAA to understand it quickly and easily. This is the who, what, when, where, and how of your proposed operation, and is commonly called a Concept of Operations (CONOPS). Make sure you responsive is detailed and consistent with the extent of the mission.
Note: Put the start day anywhere from 30-60 days out from the day of operation.
Part 3: sUAS Details
If you have a registered UAS that does not appear below, click the Add UAS button to provide UAS information relevant to this operation.
Note: You will find the Manufacturer & Model on your sUAS
Part 4: Review Waiver & Confirm
Review your application details and be sure to double-check the information provided! Once you feel confident with your application, Submit!
You did it! See… that wasn’t so bad. Now all you have to do is wait for the FAA’s Waiver Authorization team to process your request and get back to you with an answer. For more information on the FAA’s Rules & Regulations be sure to check out our community of like-minded drone enthusiasts or visit our Altitude University Resource page!