Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

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FAA Makes Progress with UAS Integration

The FAA has achieved the first unmanned aircraft systems milestone included in the 2012 FAA reauthorization – streamlining the process for public agencies to safely fly UAS in the nation's airspace.

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Test Site Selection Process Commences February 14, 2013 – The FAA has released a Screening Information Request (SIR) on the FAA Contracting Opportunities website which commences the selection process for six UAS Test Sites as required by the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. In conjunction with the UAS SIR release, the FAA will also publish a Request for Comments (RFC) in the Federal Register to solicit public input for the development of a privacy approach as it relates to the operation of the UAS Test Sites. It is expected that this Federal Register posting (FAA-2013-0061) will follow the SIR release by a few days.

Below are links to the FAA Contracting Opportunities site and an advance copy of the Federal Register RFC posting.

• FAA Contracting Opportunities
• Federal Register Request for Comment (Copy Only) (PDF)

Certification of Authorization (COA) Sponsors

February 12, 2013 – In response to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, the FAA is releasing specific Certificate of Authorization (COA) information that is not subject to FOIA exemptions. The file below contains information for 24 COAs. None of the COAs are currently active.

• February 12 Release of 24 UAS COA Files (ZIP, 181.40 MB)

December 4, 2012 – In response to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, the FAA is releasing specific Certificate of Authorization (COA) information that is not subject to FOIA exemptions. The file below contains information for 19 COAs. None of the COAs are currently active.

• December 4^th Release of 19 UAS COA Files (ZIP, 325.59 MB)

November 7, 2012 – In response to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, the FAA is releasing specific Certificate of Authorization (COA) information that is not subject to FOIA exemptions. The file below contains information for 107 COAs. Two of the COAs are currently active.

• November 7th Release of 107 UAS COA Files (ZIP, 670.04 MB)

September 21, 2012 – In response to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, the FAA is releasing specific Certificate of Authorization (COA) information that is not subject to FOIA exemptions. The file below contains information for 122 COAs. Twenty-three of the COAs are currently active.

• September 21st Release of 122 UAS COA Files (ZIP, 130.40 MB)

August 15, 2012 – In response to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, the FAA is releasing specific Certificate of Authorization (COA) information that is not subject to FOIA exemptions. The file below contains information for 17 COAs. One of the COAs is currently active.

• August 15th Release of 17 UAS COA Files (ZIP, 87.52 MB)

July 12, 2012 – In response to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, the FAA is releasing specific Certificate of Authorization (COA) information that is not subject to FOIA exemptions. The file below contains information for 125 COAs. Eight of the COAs are currently active.

• Initial Release of 125 UAS COA Files (ZIP, 655.75 MB)

April 26, 2012 – The following federal, state, or local agencies currently hold or have held a certificate of authorization to operate an unmanned aircraft system between November 2006 and June 30, 2011:

• COA Sponsor List (PDF)

Webinars on FAA's Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Test Site Request for Comments

April 25, 2012 – The FAA hosted two identical webinars on UAS Test Sites on April 10 and
April 11, 2012. FAA officials answered online and phone questions from nearly 500 participants on the Request for Comments published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2012. The comment period closed May 8, 2012.

• UAS Test Sites Webinar (PDF)

(UAS) Test Site Selection

March 7, 2012 – The FAA is asking for the public's input on our selection process for six UAS test sites. Your feedback will help us develop UAS test site requirements, designation standards and oversight activity, as well as provide valuable experience to help us safely and efficiently integrate UASs into the same airspace with manned airplanes. For more information, see below:

• FAA News Release
• Questions and Answers for the UAS Test Site Selection Process
• Federal Register Request for Comment – Comment period closes 5/08/2012.

General Information about UASs

Unmanned Aircraft Systems — previously referred to as "unmanned aerial vehicles", "UAVs", "remotely operated aircraft/vehicles", or just "unmanned aircraft" — come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and serve diverse purposes. They may have a wingspan as large as a Boeing 737 or smaller than a radio-controlled model airplane. UAS operations always have a pilot in command who is flying the aircraft. Read more of the Fact Sheet – Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

• Certifications and Authorizations
  • Certificate of Authorization or Waiver (COA) – ATO UAS description of the COA process
  • UAS COA Online System, used by applicants to request a COA. Applicants must obtain an account to access the system.
• Regulations & Policies
• Evaluation of Candidate Functions for TCAS On UAS (PDF)
• Expanding small UAS use in Artic Implementation Plan (PDF)
• Questions and Answers
• UAS Integration Office Contacts (PDF)