On this page

Overview
How to Apply
High Seas Operations
Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

Section 927 of the Reauthorization Act of 2024 allows the FAA to approve certain unmanned aircraft operations through a waiver, rather than through rulemaking or an exemption under 14 CFR Part 11.

A waiver is an FAA approval that allows an operation outside the limits of a specific regulation. The Section 927 waiver process is an additional option for regulatory relief and does not replace the traditional exemption process. Some requests will still need to be submitted as exemptions.

The FAA explains how it applies this authority in its Federal Register Notice published April 1, 2026. 

Safety Standard

The FAA uses the same safety standard for Section 927 waivers as it does for exemptions. A request must show that the proposed operation:

• would not adversely affect safety, or
• would provide a level of safety equal to the rule from which relief is requested.

Unlike an exemption, a Section 927 waiver does not require that the requested relief is in the public interest. 

How to Apply

1. Identify the Relief You Need

Define the operation you want to conduct and determine which regulations apply. Then identify the specific regulatory requirements from which you need relief.

Consider:

• Size and weight of the UAS
• Operating rule part or parts (e.g., 14 CFR part 137, 14 CFR part 91)
• Type of operation (e.g., agricultural, filming, research/testing, package delivery)
• Operating location and type of airspace
• VLOS or BVLOS
• Pilot qualifications
• Maximum altitude and speed
• Carriage of property for compensation or hire
• Equipment used (e.g., ADS-B, GPS, radar, lidar, detect-and-avoid)
• Hazardous materials
• Dangerous weapons 

2. Consider Whether Section 927 is the Right Path

Not all requests are eligible for a Section 927 waiver.

The FAA uses four eligibility criteria to decide whether this process is appropriate. Review the Federal Register Notice and evaluate whether your proposed operation aligns with one or more of those criteria.

The four criteria are briefly described in the table below. Note: The FAA may not agree that your proposed operation is best suited for a Section 927 waiver and may redirect you to the traditional exemption process at any point if appropriate.  

3. Prepare the Waiver Request

Your request should clearly explain:

• why the operation should be considered eligible for the Section 927 process
• which eligibility criteria it meets
• which regulations you want waived
• why the operation is safe

Include facts, data, examples, and a well-supported safety case.

Your request should include:

• the specific regulation(s) from which relief is requested
• the scope of the requested relief and why it is needed
• why the operation would not adversely affect safety, or how it provides an equivalent level of safety
• how the operation meets 49 U.S.C. § 44807(b), including why it would not create a hazard based on:
  • size, weight, speed, and operational capability
  • proximity to airports and populated areas
  • operation over people
  • VLOS or BVLOS
  • day or night operations

Your request should also include:

• Concept of Operations
• Operations Manual
• Emergency Procedures
• Checklists
• Maintenance Manual
• Training Program
• Flight History
• Safety Risk Analysis 

FAA Order 8040.6A may be helpful when preparing a safety risk analysis. Failure to provide the information above, including a thorough safety case and supporting facts, data, and examples, may result in your request being sent back for more information and will prolong the processing time for your request. 

4. Submit the Request

Email the completed request to: 927waivers@faa.gov

After submission, the FAA will first determine whether the request is appropriate for the Section 927 waiver process.

• If more information is needed, the FAA may contact you.
• If the request is not eligible, the FAA will direct you to another process.
• If eligible, the FAA will conduct a safety review and issue an approval or a denial.

High Seas Operations

The FAA is considering near-term approvals for certain UAS operations over the high seas using the Section 927 process.

You may be eligible if your operation:

• occurs more than 12 nautical miles from the United States
• does not enter another country’s territorial airspace
• meets the Section 927 eligibility criteria 

Before submitting a request for high seas operations, contact the FAA’s Emerging Technologies Division: (9-AVS-FS-AFS-700-Correspondence@faa.gov) 

Once confirmed, follow the standard Section 927 waiver process above.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. May I apply for an exemption and for a Section 927 waiver at the same time to see which pathway provides a decision more quickly?
   No, you must select either the exemption pathway or the Section 927 waiver.
    
2. If I have already applied for an exemption, may I withdraw my petition for exemption and apply for a Section 927 waiver instead?
   Yes; however, applicants enter the Section 927 waiver process on a first-come, first-served basis and would not receive priority or expedited treatment.
    
3. Will the FAA conduct an abbreviated safety analysis for Section 927 waivers?
   No, the safety analysis conducted for exemptions and for Section 927 waivers will remain identical.
    
4. Will both pathways provide similar types of relief, i.e., will the operational Conditions and Limitations posed by an exemption versus a Section 927 waiver be similar? 
   Yes, both pathways—irrespective of whether an exemption or Section 927 waiver—will provide regulatory relief based on the safety case. The safety analysis and resulting operational parameters, including Conditions and Limitations, would not depend on the pathway for regulatory relief.