Section 44807: Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems
The Small UAS Rule (14 CFR Part 107) is only applicable to unmanned aircraft (drones) that weigh less than 55 pounds at takeoff. Not only is there a max weight, but there's also a limitation to what rules can be waived under Part 107. To fly an unmanned aircraft that exceeds the maximum weight limit of Part 107 or your mission includes a non-waiverable rule, you may apply for an exemption in accordance with 14 CFR Part 11 and the Congressional authority granted in Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Systems, 49 U.S.C. §44807.
49 U.S.C. § 44807 grants the Secretary of Transportation the authority to use a risk-based approach to determine if certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system (NAS) on a case-by-case basis. This grants UAS operators safe and legal entry into the NAS, thus improving safety. We anticipate this activity will result in significant economic benefits. The FAA Administrator has identified this as a high priority project to address demand for civil operation of drones for commercial purposes.
Instructions for Requesting FAA Exemption
The list below contains requirements for requesting FAA authorization to operate a UAS for civil under the authority of 49 U.S.C. §44807.
- Before filing your petition, review FAA's guidance to ensure your petition contains at a minimum the following necessary information, if relevant:
- Concept of Operations
- Operations Manual
- Emergency Procedures
- Checklists
- Maintenance Manual
- Training Program
- Flight History (flight hours, cycles, accidents, etc.)
- Safety Risk Analysis
- Verify that all the necessary information is included, see 14 CFR § 11.81, and then file your petition for exemption on the public docket. You can also download submission instructions (text instructions) (visual aid instructions).
Instructions for Requesting FAA Authorization
Apply for a Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COA), which serves as operational approval for the specific airspace in which you desire to fly. You must submit applications for a COA through the COA Application Processing System (CAPS), not the public docket.
COA applications must include:
- An exemption number — corresponding to the Federal Register Docket ID for your petition for exemption
- A registration number — all aircraft must be registered with FAA to be issued a COA. See Register a New sUA or other Unmanned Aircraft under Part 47.
- The same petitioner name/company name that the exemption was issued to.
Note: FAA will issue a "blanket" COA for flights at or below 400 feet in class G airspace to all UAS operators with a Section 44807 exemption as appropriate. View a copy of this "blanket" COA (PDF), including operating conditions and limitations.
Questions About Petition for Exemption and COA
The Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Systems will expire September 30, 2023. For more information or questions about petition for exemption and COA application process contact the UAS Support Center.
Certification
You may also be interested in a certification, which is how FAA manages risk through safety assurance. It provides FAA confidence that a proposed product or operation will meet FAA safety expectations to protect the public. Certification affirms that FAA requirements have been met.
Learn more about certifications: