Special Airworthiness Certificate
Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COA)
What are my first steps in applying for COA?
If, upon reviewing the information for experimental certificates you intend to fly for the US Military or a US Government Agency, your next step would be to contact your government contract administrator or program manager. COAs are issued to US Military or US Government Agencies who sponsor unmanned aircraft systems.
If I have a COA, do I need an experimental certificate?
It is not necessary to obtain an experimental certificate if you are obtaining, or have obtained, a COA. A COA will authorize access to restricted airspace, and ultimately the NAS, if necessary. A COA may authorize access to unrestricted airspace depending on the purpose or mission of the UAS.
Who may I contact for information related to the COA process?
You may contact Ms. Ardyth Williams in the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization, ATO-R, Office of Systems Operation and Safety, System Safety and Procedures. Ms. Williams can be reached by e-mail at
Ardyth Williams or by telephone at (202) 497-7688.
