Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
Interest and possible use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), formerly Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), are increasing. The FAA is in the process of final rule making regarding UAS operations. Operations of UAS under FAA Advisory Circular AC 91-57 (Radio Controlled Aircraft) are intended for hobbyists and not government or commercial operators. Certificate of Authorizations (COA) for all UAS operations are required.
The FAA has requested that there be one representative from each agency (i.e. DOI, USFS, US NAVY etc) in the Unmanned Aircraft System Group. The FAA has designated the Aviation Management Directorate as the representative for the DOI in the COA process http://www.faa.gov/ats/ata/coa_poc.htm. Currently the NBC-AMD Alaska Regional Director, Harry Kieling, (907) 271 5626, is the representative for UAS within the DOI. The Certificate of Authorization (COA) process is lengthy and few have been approved, taking months to process.
All requests to utilize UAS must be routed through the respective State Aviation Managers to the National Aviation Office.
FAA Regulations & Policies
Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations
- Part 1, Definitions, Civil Aircraft, section 1.1
- Part 21, Certification Procedures for Products and Parts
- Part 21, Subpart H, Airworthiness Certificates, Experimental Certificates, sections 21.191 and 21.193
- Part 21, Subpart K, Approval of Materials, Parts, Processes, and Appliances (sections 21.301 through 21.305)
- Part 21, Approval of Materials, Parts, and Appliances, section 21.502
Advisory Circulars
- AC 21-12, Application for U.S. Airworthiness Certificate, FAA Form 8130-6
- AC 45-2, Identification and Registration Marking
- AC 91-57, Model Aircraft Operating Standards
Forms
Policies
Links
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