Flight Standards Emerging Technologies Division (AFS-700)

The Emerging Technologies Division is dedicated to the safety, regulation, and normalization of emerging aviation technologies, including Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). The division manages policy development, technical evaluations, and safety oversight for both UAS and AAM. Our mission is to foster innovation and safely scale new technologies while maintaining safety standards in the National Airspace System (NAS).

BRANCHES

Maintenance Branch (AFS-710)

This branch establishes maintenance policies for unmanned aircraft and their associated elements as well as AAM aircraft. The branch develops, maintains, and applies Criteria for Making Decisions (CMD) to ensure consistent airworthiness standards in support of exemptions, oversees Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program (CAMP) frameworks, and evaluates the content of research and development proposals. Additionally, the branch manages the Integration Proposal Document (IPD) process for new entrant regulatory questions, handles Part 135 Director of Maintenance deviations, establishes guidelines for drone-based General Visual Inspections, and serves as the primary point of contact for UAS operations over the high seas. 

Evaluation Branch (AFS-720)

This branch manages operational suitability evaluations and maintenance evaluations for novel Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft entering the market. Conducts Type Certification Boards FSB and FOEB and Operational Suitability Demonstrations/ Evaluations. Conducts Maintenance Evaluations, reviews Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) and Maintenance Review Boards (MRB) and evaluates UAS associated elements. Supports emerging technology exemptions and waivers.

Technologies & Standards Branch (AFS-730)

This branch provides technical guidance on advanced aviation technologies. The team focuses on evaluating frameworks for novel capabilities like detect-and-avoid (DAA) systems, command and communications technologies, performance-based navigation, remote identification of drones (RID), and sensor-driven flight operations, and representing Flight Standards on standards bodies.

Air Transportation Branch (AFS-740)

This branch oversees regulatory compliance, safety guidelines, and policy development for UAS air carrier operations under Part 135, as well as commercial AAM. The team actively processes operational exemptions, waivers, and deviations, ensuring that commercial air carrier drone flights, complex cargo routing, and package delivery logistics meet safety baselines.

General Aviation & Commercial Branch (AFS-750)

This branch manages operational policies and authorizations for UAS and AAM to include small UAS (Part 107), pilot certification and training (Part 61) general aviation (Part 91), agricultural operations (Part 137), external loads (Part 133), and public aircraft operations (PAO). AFS-750 manages a broad portfolio of waivers, exemptions and other authorizations, including Part 107 waivers, 44807 determinations, Section 927 waivers, and Section 363 dangerous weapons authorizations. The team also oversees the Recreational Flyer Policy, environmental analyses, and safety outreach.

Safety Assurance Branch (AFS-760)

This branch provides safety assurance functions for the division, serving as the primary administrative bridge to General Aviation Safety Assurance (GASA) field offices. The team executes certifications for incoming commercial UAS and AAM operators, provides ongoing certificate management, and conducts routine field surveillance, monitoring, and safety audits to ensure compliance.

RESOURCES & REFERENCE MATERIALS

General UAS Support & Guidance

  • FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): The primary webpage for general drone safety rules, airspace authorizations, remote identification, and community-specific portals.
  • FAA UAS Support Center: Direct assistance for basic regulations, registration, and airspace authorization troubleshooting. Provides direct access to FAA experts for near real-time regulatory guidance, with translation of regulatory language for a non-regulatory audience.
    • Phone: 844-FLY-MY-UA (844-359-6982)
    • Email: uashelp@faa.gov
      • FAASafety.Gov: The FAA’s online learning management system for continuing aviation education.
      • FAADroneZone: The FAA’s online platform for managing many drone services, including small UAS Registration, Airspace Authorizations, and FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) applications.

Operations & Regulatory Relief 

  • Recreational Flyers: Rules, registration steps, and access to The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) for hobbyists.
  • Certificated Remote Pilots & Commercial Operators: Guidance for small commercial drone operations under 14 CFR Part 107, including remote pilot certification, knowledge testing, and digital waiver submissions.
  • FAA Section 927 Waiver Process: Operational guidance detailing eligibility criteria and application steps for requesting regulatory relief under Section 927 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
  • Public Safety & Emergency Operations: Information on expedited authorization pathways, such as Special Governmental Interest (SGI) waivers, for law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency response teams.
  • Aviation Safety Hub: The FAA’s portal for Part 107 Operational Waiver Requests. 

Certification

Aircraft & Maintenance 

News and Reports 

CONTACTS

For formal inquiries please contact our team.

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