The following is a summary of important FAA waiver updates achieved through collaborative efforts between public safety stakeholders, companies and the FAA:
DRONE AS A FIRST RESPONDER (DFR)
A new DFR Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)/(FR-BVLOS) Waiver Template has been introduced that significantly reduces complexity and expedites BVLOS waivers. The approval process has been reduced from over 6 months to just a few days. You can access the waiver here.
WILDFIRE (RED FLAG WARNING) WAIVER
A new Wildfire Red Flag Warning SGI Waiver has been established through the FAA’s System Operations Support Center (SOSC), allowing the issuance of a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) for true BVLOS operations during pre-wildfire reconnaissance to detect and prevent catastrophic fires. This waiver covers Wildfire Suppression and Red Flag Warning Area Monitoring. For more information on emergency waivers, visit https://www.faa.gov/uas/advanced_operations/emergency_situations.
To contact the SOSC, call 202/267-8276 (monitored 24 hours/day) or email 9-ator-hq-sosc@faa.gov.
OBSTRUCTION SHIELDED (OS) WAIVER FOR PART 107 OPS
This waiver is similar to the TBVLOS waiver but allows true BVLOS flights for Part 107 remote pilots. It requires flights to be conducted within 50 feet of the highest obstacle, whether natural or manmade, for the maximum reliable operational range. This waiver benefits both public safety Part 107 and commercial Part 107 remote pilots. To apply for this waiver, use the FAA Drone Zone.
NOTE: The OS Waiver has caused some confusion. To provide additional instructions, a DRONERESPONDERS webinar will be held in collaboration with the FAA on June 14 at 4 p.m. ET. You can register for this webinar, which will be recorded, here.
DFR ENHANCED TECHNOLOGY WAIVER APPROVED
The Pearland (Texas) Police Department has received the DFR (True BVLOS – no VOs) Waiver through enhanced technology as the first test case to monitor detection efficiency. This utilizes the technology of Iris Casea G, ADS-B in, and White Fox, effectively eliminating the need for human visual observers.
THE FAA DETECTION AND MITIGATION AVIATION RULEMAKING COMMITTEE (ARC) UPDATE
The FAA Detection and Mitigation (CUAS) Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) held its initial three-day meeting event at the MITRE facility in Virginia.
For a summary of the FAA’s update on this ARC, visit https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/uas-detection-and-mitigation-systems-aviation-rulemaking-committee-charter.
