Public Involvement and Environmental Review for Drone Operations

In 2012, Congress first charged the FAA with integrating unmanned aircraft—commonly referred to as drones—into the National Airspace System (NAS). The FAA has engaged in a phased, incremental approach to integrating drones into the NAS and continues to work toward full integration of drones into the NAS. From 2017 through 2020, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Pilot Program focused on testing and evaluating the integration of drone operations into the NAS. This work continues under the UAS BEYOND program which focuses on the remaining challenges of UAS integration, including beyond visual line of sight operations, societal and economic benefits of UAS operations, and community engagement.

Environmental Review

Signed into law on January 1, 1970, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is the United States’ basic national charter for protection of the environment. NEPA is a procedural law that requires the FAA to consider environmental impacts of its actions in decision making. NEPA does not impose any limits, prohibit certain kinds of actions, or mandate a particular outcome.

NEPA established the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) within the Executive Office of the President to ensure federal agencies meet their obligations under NEPA. CEQ oversees NEPA implementation, principally through issuing guidance and regulations that implement NEPA’s procedural requirements. CEQ’s NEPA Implementing Regulations are found at 40 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 1500–1508. The FAA’s policies and procedures for compliance with NEPA and CEQ’s regulations are contained in FAA Order 1050.1F, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures.

NEPA applies to major federal actions, which are essentially any activity or decision subject to federal control and responsibility. NEPA reviews must be completed for actions that could cause reasonably foreseeable effects on the human environment, whether the actions are taken by the agency itself, or the actions are taken by airspace users seeking FAA authorization. There are three levels of NEPA review:

  1. Categorical Exclusion (CATEX)

    CATEX means a category of actions that an agency has determined normally does not have a
    significant effect on the human environment. The FAA’s list of CATEXs is contained in FAA Order 1050.1F. If a proposed action falls within the scope of a CATEX and there are no extraordinary circumstances, an environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required. 

    Extraordinary circumstances are factors or circumstances that indicate a normally categorically excluded action may have a significant effect. Examples of extraordinary circumstances include potential substantial effects on sensitive environmental resources; potential substantial disproportionate and adverse effects on communities with environmental justice concerns; and potential substantial effects on historic properties or cultural resources.

  2. Environmental Assessment (EA)
    An EA is a concise public document, for which a federal agency is responsible, for an action that is not likely to have a significant effect or for which the significance of the effects is unknown. It is used to support an agency’s determination of whether to prepare an EIS or a finding of no significant impact. Complex drone proposals (e.g., package delivery using a drone) normally require preparation of an EA.

  3. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
    An EIS is a detailed written statement that is required by section 102(2)(C) of NEPA. EISs are prepared for proposed actions that are likely to result in significant environmental impacts.

The FAA is conducting NEPA reviews for advanced drone operations that are being proposed to the FAA for authorization. See below for links to environmental documents. 

In accordance with the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, to assist FAA practitioners and applicants that prepare NEPA documents under FAA supervision in evaluating the potential environmental impacts of UAS proposals that require FAA approval, the FAA developed a Desk Reference for UAS Environmental Review (in short, referred to as the UAS NEPA Desk Reference). The UAS NEPA Desk Reference is designed to complement FAA Order 1050.1F and the 1050.1 Desk Reference and should therefore be used in conjunction with both of those documents.

Programmatic Environmental Reviews

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 requires the FAA to examine and integrate programmatic-level approaches to the requirements of NEPA. A programmatic NEPA review assists decisionmakers and the public in understanding the environmental impact from proposed large-scope federal actions and activities. The FAA may prepare programmatic NEPA documents to evaluate the environmental effects of policies, programs, plans, or groups of related activities. When individual proposed actions are adequately analyzed in a programmatic document, the programmatic document can serve as the NEPA review for those actions. Programmatic documents may also be useful in providing the basis for subsequent project-level specific NEPA reviews. A programmatic NEPA document may contain a broader, less specific analysis compared to what is performed for a specific proposed project. Programmatic reviews and documentation can also identify mitigation measures to avoid environmental impacts on resources and alleviate the need for subsequent reviews.

The FAA has prepared two programmatic NEPA documents for UAS-related activities. The FAA prepared a programmatic EA (PEA) for FAA-Recognized Identification Areas and a PEA for Part 135 UAS package delivery operations in North Carolina (links to these PEAs are provided below). The FAA is currently planning to prepare a national PEA for Part 135 UAS package delivery operations in the United States. Information about this national environmental review will be posted on this website as the project progresses.

Public Involvement

Public involvement pertains to including the public in the FAA’s environmental review process. As the FAA takes actions to modernize the U.S. aerospace system for the 21st century, changes in aircraft type (including new entrants like drones) and aviation activity levels can generate community interest about the environmental impacts of aviation, particularly aircraft noise. Although today’s aircraft are substantially quieter than earlier generations of aircraft, noise continues to be the public’s primary interest in regard to aviation growth or changes. Other environmental impacts may also be of interest to the public.

As the FAA continues to advance the NAS, including the integration of drones into the airspace, we're committed to meaningful engagement and open dialogue with those affected by airspace changes. One way of providing input is by commenting on the FAA’s environmental review of drone proposals.

Community Engagement

In addition to the FAA involving the public as part of the NEPA process, it is important for UAS operators and local governments to engage the local community and inform the community about the proposed UAS operations. It is important to note that operations in public places (e.g., commercial small package delivery in suburban areas using a drone) require local approvals in addition to the FAA’s airspace authorization. The siting of drone “hubs” (takeoff and landing areas) and infrastructure for drone package delivery operations must comply with applicable state and local land use and zoning requirements. The FAA does not select the locations for commercial drone operators to conduct operations. Those locations are selected by the operators. Land use and zoning are typically governed by state and local laws. Operators are responsible for complying with any such applicable laws relevant to establishing their operations. Operators are expected to site their distribution hubs in accordance with all local land use ordinances and zoning requirements. Thus, in addition to coordinating with the FAA, drone operators may have to work with local government to obtain approvals. An applicant’s community engagement is a parallel process to the FAA’s public involvement as part of the NEPA review.

The FAA’s Community Involvement Manual reaffirms the FAA’s commitment, established in our Community Involvement Policy, to give the public an opportunity to be informed, become involved, and have their interests and views considered as the FAA evaluates proposals that might affect them. Community involvement does not guarantee outcomes that satisfy everyone. However, decisions that take community input into consideration are more likely to reflect the collective public interest, receive broader community acceptance, and experience fewer implementation and post-implementation problems.

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 requires the FAA to establish a Community Collaboration Program that harmonizes the policies and procedures carried out by various offices of the FAA pertaining to community engagement relating to, among others, the integration of new and emerging entrants. Therefore, the FAA’s community engagement process may evolve as the FAA establishes the Community Collaboration Program.

We posted a Community Education Series on YouTube. In this series, we discuss the causes of noise exposure, and how the FAA is collaborating with stakeholders to address it.

You may review a list of UAS-related frequently asked questions. You may also send us an email or call us at 844-FLY-MY-UA (844-359-6982).

Environmental Documents for Public Review

Draft Environmental Assessment for Wing Aviation, LLC Proposed Drone Package Delivery Operations in Central Florida

Wing Aviation, LLC (Wing) is seeking FAA approval to initiate commercial package delivery operations throughout its proposed Central Florida operating area. Wing’s intent is to offer service from a network of nests, where each nest would serve a specific area, thereby avoiding an over-concentration of flights surrounding any given nest. Wing proposes a maximum of 150 nest locations within the Central Florida operating area. Each nest houses up to 24 aircraft and has a delivery range of approximately six miles. Wing’s nests would be located in commercially zoned areas such as shopping centers, large individual retailers, and shopping malls.

Under the proposed action, Wing projects operating a maximum of 400 delivery flights per operating day from each nest. Wing’s operating hours would be from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (initial operations until 7:00 p.m.) with flights only leaving the nest area between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Additionally, under the proposed action, remote pickup infrastructure consisting of an autoloader would be installed within proposed nests or at offsite locations, utilized during limited remote pickup and delivery operations, and would also be located within commercial areas.

The package delivery operations would be conducted with two UA platforms – Wing’s Hummingbird 7000W-B and 8000-A. The Hummingbird 7000W-B has a maximum takeoff weight of less than 15 pounds when combined with its maximum payload weight of 2.7 pounds. The Hummingbird 8000W-A has a maximum takeoff weight of less than 25 pounds when combined with its maximum payload weight of 5 pounds. All Wing aircraft use electric power from rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

This Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) was available for a 30-day public comment period so that the FAA can receive feedback from members of the public who may be affected by Wing’s proposed operations. 

The comment period closed on January 20, 2025, but a copy of the Draft EA is available here to view or download:

Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment for Wing Aviation, LLC Proposed Drone Package Delivery Operations in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

Wing Aviation, LLC (Wing) is seeking FAA approval to expand its commercial package delivery operations in the DFW metro area by extending hours of operations, increasing the number of nest locations, and providing remote pickup and delivery services. Wing’s intent is to offer service throughout the DFW area from a network of nests, where each nest would serve a specific area thereby avoiding an over-concentration of flights surrounding any given nest. Wing proposes a maximum of 75 nest locations, an increase from the 25 currently-authorized nests in DFW. Wing’s nests would continue to be located in commercially zoned areas such as shopping centers, large individual retailers, and shopping malls.

Under the proposed action, Wing’s operating hours would be 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. with flights only leaving the nest area between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., which is an expansion from Wing’s current delivery operations that occur between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Wing would maintain the current operational limit of 400 delivery flights per nest per operating day. Additionally, under the proposed action, new remote pickup infrastructure consisting of an autoloader would be installed within existing or proposed nests or at offsite locations, utilized during limited remote pickup and delivery operations, and would also be located within commercial areas.

The package delivery operations would be conducted with two UA platforms – Wing’s Hummingbird 7000W-B and 8000-A. The Hummingbird 7000W-B has a maximum takeoff weight of less than 15 pounds when combined with its maximum payload weight of 2.7 pounds. The Hummingbird 8000W-A has a maximum takeoff weight of less than 25 pounds when combined with its maximum payload weight of 5 pounds. All Wing aircraft use electric power from rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

This Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA) was available for a 30-day public comment period so that the FAA can receive feedback from members of the public who may be affected by Wing’s proposed operations. 
The comment period closed on January 3, 2025, but a copy of the Draft SEA is available here to view or download:

Completed NEPA Reviews

  • Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision for Causey Aviation Unmanned, Inc. Drone Package Delivery Operations in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area, including Granbury and Rowlett, Texas (PDF)
    In this proposed action, Causey Aviation Unmanned, Inc. (CAU) will expand its commercial package delivery operations in the DFW metro area and extend the delivery area radius from two nautical miles to 3.5 nautical miles at its existing Granbury and Rowlett distribution centers (DC). CAU proposes to establish up to 30 new DC locations within the next three years; each DC would have a 3.5-nautical mile delivery zone. The DCs would be located in commercial areas such as shopping centers, movie theaters, large retail stores, and other non-residential areas. The package delivery operations would be conducted with the Flytrex FTX-M600P UA, which has a maximum takeoff weight of 33.1 pounds, and the Flytrex Sky II UA, which has a maximum takeoff weight of 34.2 pounds. Both drone models use electric power from rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. CAU projects that it would fly up to 500 deliveries per day from each DC. Proposed operations would occur seven days per week, including holidays, between the hours of 8 AM and 10 PM. The FAA signed a Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision for this action on December 10, 2024.
     
  • Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision for Amazon Prime Air Drone Package Delivery Operations in Tolleson, Arizona (PDF)
    Amazon.com Services LLC, doing business as Amazon Prime Air (Prime Air), is seeking FAA approval to begin commercial drone package delivery service from the new Prime Air Drone Delivery Center (PADDC) in Tolleson, Arizona. The PADDC is located on the same property as an existing Amazon warehouse building, in an area zoned for Light Industrial and General Commercial. The closest residential neighborhood is approximately 1,300 feet west of the site. Prime Air would conduct deliveries from the PADDC to eligible delivery sites such as private residences and commercial facilities. 
    Prime Air will conduct deliveries with the MK30 drone variant, which is electric-powered and has a maximum takeoff weight of 83.2 pounds. The MK30’s proposed operating range is 7.5 miles from the PADDC, with a potential operating area of 174 square miles. The proposed delivery operations would take place between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Prime Air proposes to operate up to 469 MK30 delivery flights per operating day over the course of 365 operating days per year, for a total of roughly 171,329 annual delivery operations. There will be variability in the number of flights per day based on customer demand and weather conditions.
    The FAA signed a Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision for this action on November 19, 2024.
  • Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision for DroneUp Drone Package Delivery Operations in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (PDF)
    In this proposed action, DroneUp LLC will extend its drone retail package delivery service through a network of Hubs in the DFW metro area. DroneUp’s Hubs would be located in the established parking lots of commercial areas such as shopping centers, large individual retailers, and shopping malls. DroneUp would operate 11 Hubs initially, and a maximum of 30 Hubs throughout the DFW area in the next several years. The package delivery operations would be conducted with DroneUp’s PRISM V2 Series, which is electric-powered and has a maximum takeoff weight of 55 pounds. The PRISM drones have a delivery range of five miles from each Hub. The maximum number of operations from each Hub would be 500 flights per day. Each flight would take a package to a customer delivery address before returning to the Hub. Operations would be conducted between 7 AM and 10 PM local time, typically seven days per week including holidays. The FAA signed a Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision for this action on October 28, 2024.
     
  • Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision for Amazon Prime Air Drone Package Delivery Operations in College Station, Texas (PDF)
    In this proposed action, Prime Air will expand its commercial drone package delivery service from the Prime Air Drone Delivery Center (PADDC) in College Station, Texas. Prime Air will add the MK30 drone variant to its fleet, which is electric-powered and has a maximum takeoff weight of 83.2 pounds. The MK30 has an operating radius of 7.5 miles, which would expand the College Station operating area beyond the current 3.7-mile radius provided by the MK27-2. The operating times would expand under the proposed action and would take place between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., which is beyond the current operations that are limited to daylight hours. Additionally, the average number of daily operations would increase from the current estimated 200 operations per day using the MK27-2 to an estimated 470 operations per day using the MK30. The number of potential operating days would increase from the current 260 days per year to approximately 365 days per year. The FAA signed a Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision for this action on September 18, 2024.
     
  • Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA), Mitigated Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), and Record of Decision (ROD) for Drone Package Delivery in North Carolina 
    The FAA, in coordination with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) as the project proponent, prepared this PEA to assist decisionmakers and the public in understanding the environmental impacts from proposed drone package delivery operations in certain metro areas of North Carolina. The FAA used an NCDOT-developed forecast to identify operating areas where drone package delivery operations are likely to occur and to define the levels of drone package delivery activities that may be expected based on existing and future market analyses. 

    Based on the FAA’s review and analysis and consideration of comments, it has determined that, with implementation of the noise mitigation measures identified in the PEA, there would be no significant impacts to the natural environment or surrounding population as a result of the proposed action. The FAA signed a Mitigated FONSI/ROD based on the PEA on July 12, 2024. The FAA will evaluate Part 135 drone package delivery proposals for operations in North Carolina as they are received, compare them to the scope of the PEA, and determine whether any additional environmental review is needed. The FAA will use the following checklist to assist in making this determination. The checklist has been updated since publishing the final PEA.
    • Environmental Checklist for the PEA for Drone Package Delivery in North Carolina (PDF)
    • Ameriflight, LLC – Charlotte Metro Operating Area
      In this proposed action, Ameriflight will operate in the Charlotte Metro operating area using electric-powered multicopter aircraft. Based on an examination and review of the application, the FAA has determined that no further environmental review or NEPA documentation is required. The applicant’s proposed action falls within the scope of the July 2024 PEA and associated consultations. The FAA completed and approved a PEA Appendix B Environmental Checklist for this action on November 14, 2024.
    • Wing Aviation, LLC (Wing) – Charlotte Metro Operating Area
      In this proposed action, Wing will operate in the Charlotte Metro operating area using electric-powered hybrid aircraft (vertical lift with fixed-wing cruise). Based on an examination and review of the application, the FAA has determined that no further environmental review or NEPA documentation is required. The applicant’s proposed action falls within the scope of the July 2024 PEA and associated consultations. The FAA completed and approved a PEA Appendix B Environmental Checklist for this action on December 18, 2024
    • Drone Express – Piedmont Triad Operating Area
      In this proposed action, Drone Express will operate in the Piedmont Triad operating area using electric-powered multicopter aircraft. Based on an examination and review of the application, the FAA has determined that no further environmental review or NEPA documentation is required. The applicant’s proposed action falls within the scope of the July 2024 PEA and associated consultations. The FAA completed and approved a PEA Appendix B Environmental Checklist for this action on December 23, 2024.
Last updated: Monday, March 17, 2025