Drone regulations are evolving rapidly, with the FAA introducing new waivers and guidelines that expand the capabilities of public safety agencies. From Drone as First Responder (DFR) operations to advancements in Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waivers, these updates are reshaping the role of drones in law enforcement and emergency response.
This column will provide ongoing updates on FAA regulatory changes, highlighting their implications for public safety and offering insights into what’s next for drone technology.
FAA overhauls drone waiver process for public safety: New Certificate of Waiver streamlines DFR and COA approvals
Date: 04/04/2025
There has been a major breakthrough on DFR and other COAs that is the biggest regulatory waiver change in these waivers since 2016:
- They are now called a Certificate of Waiver (COW).
- These waivers are now handled strictly through FAA Flight Standards.
- FAA’s Air Traffic Organization (ATO) has already provided language for airspace authorization in the waiver for all classifications of airspace, which means there is only one place for authorization in controlled airspace.
Importance: This streamlines the process with only one review/approval. In the past, it would have required both Flight Standards and ATO to review/approve. Previously, you would also have to request airspace authorization.
There is a questionnaire form that is used to give them your CONOPS. A separate CONOPS is still required, but only a brief overview (paragraph or two) of the operation (does not need to include launch locations and other similar details):
- For 200’ and below or within 50’ of highest obstacle, ADS-B in receiver, fly under the facility map grids in controlled airspace.
- For up to 400’, the DAA CMD form must be completed to explain the technology capabilities.
- You must also send in the PSO letter (sample link below) to validate that you are a public safety organization. Should be sent on agency letterhead.
- If this is your first such submission, you should also include Form 7711-1, a Public Declaration Letter that you are a political subdivision (city, town, county, state, tribal, or territorial) to be eligible to operate as a public aircraft operation (PAO)
- No more NOTAMS.
- Monthly reports remain but are simplified greatly.
- These COWs are approved for four years. Agencies who wish to get the four years or other new changes are welcome to resubmit through this process.
These forms (links below) are sent completed to FAA Flight Standards by email, 9-AVS-AFS-750-91.113Waivers@faa.gov. There is no need to use CAPS or DroneZone for these waivers. The email is the entire submission process. This process will now be used for all of the former COAs (blanket, jurisdictional, tactical, obstructed shielding).
The goal is to simplify, accelerate and scale up the approvals. My estimation is that this process will go from 10 months to several weeks.
The nationwide DFR Working Group has had a significant influence on this process. If interested in joining, send an email to Charles@Droneresponders.org.
Forms required to be sent to email address above:
FAA issues first Part 107 Drone as a First Responder Waiver
Date: 12/09/2024
The FAA issued its first Part 107 Drone as a First Responder (DFR) Waiver without the need for a Visual Observer to the Fort Wayne, Indiana Police Department. This milestone allows public safety agencies to apply for DFR waivers through the Part 107 process via the FAA Drone Zone in Class G airspace.
To qualify, aircraft must include specific safety features based on their weight, such as prop guards or parachutes, anti-collision lights, and ADS-B in receivers. These waivers permit operations up to 200 feet above ground level or 200 feet above the highest obstacle.
For operations at higher altitudes, agencies must employ additional detection technologies and submit a separate wide-area waiver for controlled airspace approvals.
Public Safety Shielded Operations Waiver now available
Date: 11/14/2024
The FAA has introduced the Public Safety Shielded Operations Waiver, a significant advancement similar to the Tactical BVLOS Waiver. Unlike the Tactical Waiver, this new option can be applied for through Part 107 in the FAA Drone Zone and is available to all public safety organizations, regardless of their governmental status.
This waiver enables up to one mile of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations and is not restricted to emergency missions. For more details on how to apply, refer to the newly released Public Safety Shielded Operations Waiver Guide dated 11/14/2024.
Experimental DFR Waiver paves way for future approvals
Date: 10/14/2024
The FAA granted its first experimental waiver to allow Drone as a First Responder (DFR) operations without a Visual Observer, utilizing radar, ADS-B in and optical detection technologies. This waiver was awarded to the Campbell, California Police Department.
The FAA will review data from this experimental waiver over the coming months to evaluate system performance. Findings from this trial will help shape the replication process for future applicants seeking similar waivers.
These updates signal the FAA’s commitment to advancing drone technology in public safety. Stay tuned for further developments and guidance on how agencies can leverage these new opportunities.
