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Is the FAA attempting to change what public safety needs in order to have a program?

For the purposes of operating an unmanned aircraft in the National Airspace system in support of public safety missions, there currently are two programs the public agency can utilize:

  • Under 14 CFR Part 107 as a civil operation. 
  • As a public aircraft operator flying missions under an approved COA.

We can also issue two different types of COAs:

  • Day and night operations of a UAS weighting less than 55 lbs. within Class G airspace, at or below 400 above the ground within visual line of sight of the aircraft within the CONUS of the United States.
  • A Jurisdictional COA that is for any weight UAS within a specific operating area that may include controlled airspace (Class D, Surface Class E, Class C or Class B).

Still can't find what you are looking for? Please feel free to contact the UAS Support Center for general questions and comments.