With a Special Governmental Interest (SGI) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA), do the aircraft also have to be owned or leased by the public agency requesting the SGI COA?
⚠ Public safety officials and media wanting to fly a drone in a Temporary Flight Restriction must have a Remote Pilot Certificate or Certificate of Authorization. Request access through the FAA's special waiver process.
To apply for a waiver through the Special Governmental Interest (SGI) process, you must be an existing Part 107 remote pilot with a current certificate OR a public agency with an existing Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). If the public agency is requesting an SGI under their COA, they must operate a UAS that is either owned by the public agency or leased to the public agency for a minimum of 90 days (See Title 49 USC 40102(a)(41)(c) and (d). If the aircraft is flown by a remote pilot in command under Part 107, the aircraft must be registered with the FAA.
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