At the National Public Safety UAS Conference, hosted by DRONERESPONDERS, a panel of FAA officials provided critical updates on new waivers, regulatory processes, and efforts to improve access to airspace for public safety drone operations. The session, moderated by industry expert Michelle Duquette, a veteran of MITRE Corp’s UAS program, featured insights from Tim Arel, Chief Operating Officer of FAA Air Traffic Control; John Meehan, Air Safety Analyst; and Kerry Fleming, Director of the FAA’s Systems Operation Support Center (SOSC).
Public Safety Waivers Streamline Access to Airspace
FAA officials discussed an expedited waiver process for public safety organizations operating under Part 107. The Public Safety Organization Shielded Operations Waiver enables agencies to conduct critical drone missions with fewer operational restrictions. This waiver allows:
- Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations within one statute mile of the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) without the need for visual observers.
- Operations over people and moving vehicles under certain conditions.
- Class G airspace operations, with the potential for use in controlled airspace via the Special Government Interest (SGI) process.
Shielded operations refer to drone flights conducted at low altitudes within close proximity to obstacles, such as buildings or trees, which serve as a natural buffer between the drone and manned aircraft. This concept reduces the risk of collision by keeping drone flights within a predictable and controlled environment.
To qualify, operators must equip their drones with certain equipment, such as anti-collision lights, propeller guards or a parachute recovery system. Meehan emphasized that collisions between drones and manned aircraft remain a major concern, underscoring the need for visibility enhancements. The streamlined waiver process is especially beneficial for volunteer fire departments and search and rescue organizations, which do not qualify for Public Aircraft Operations (PAO) under Part 91.
Part 91 Waivers: Expanding Public Safety Operations
Alongside Part 107 developments, the FAA introduced a new waiver under Part 91 (Sections 113 and 119) tailored for public safety entities. This waiver, tied to an airspace authorization, provides broader access for qualified agencies.
Eligibility requires agencies to pass two regulatory “gates”:
- Public Aircraft Operations (PAO) Status – Agencies must meet statutory criteria under 49 USC 40102(a)(41), typically as a governmental entity.
- Public Safety Organization Definition – Agencies must align with the congressional definition outlined in the FAA Reauthorization Act.
Unlike the Shielded Operations Waiver, which can apply to volunteer organizations and non-PAO operators, the Part 91 waiver provides expanded access to airspace for law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency management agencies.
COA Processing Times Improve, But Challenges Remain
Meehan and Fleming addressed concerns about the Certificate of Authorization (COA) process, which has historically been lengthy and complex. While some public safety COAs, such as Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs, still require extensive review due to their technological and airspace complexities, standard COA processing times have improved significantly:
- Previously taking months, many COAs are now processed within six weeks.
- The Shielded Operations Waiver can be issued in as little as one to two weeks, provided applicants correctly complete the checklist.
Officials stressed that delays often result from incomplete applications. The FAA has provided guidance materials, including a step-by-step application guide via DRONERESPONDERS and the FAA UAS Support Center, to help agencies navigate the waiver and COA request process.
The Importance of Standardized Communication
Throughout the discussion, Duquette and FAA officials highlighted the need for consistent terminology and structured application submissions to streamline approvals.
“Clear, standardized communication is key to getting approvals faster,” Arel explained. “We’re working to ensure that applicants understand the specific requirements needed for a successful waiver request, reducing back-and-forth delays.”
Arel reinforced the importance of due diligence on the FAA’s part, noting that safety assessments and risk mitigations are integral to approving new operational capabilities. “When you request access to the airspace, it’s not just “Mother may I,” he pointed out. “There is a level of risk that needs to be evaluated.”
Mass Gathering TFRs: A New Public Safety Tool
Fleming also discussed a new Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) category, authorized by Congress in the latest FAA Reauthorization Act, specifically for mass gatherings. Unlike security-related TFRs (FAR 99.7) or air show TFRs, this new category applies to large public events and allows organizers to request temporary drone restrictions.
While the new mass gathering TFR provides event organizers with additional airspace protections, public safety agencies can still gain access via the SGI process. Agencies responding to large-scale events, such as concerts or sporting events, should familiarize themselves with these new TFR rules to ensure operational readiness. Communication is key: ensuring that all authorized airspace users can recognize each other is essential to smooth and coordinated operations.
Moving Toward Automation and Faster Approvals
Looking ahead, the FAA panel acknowledged the need for automation in waiver processing, but noted that human review remains essential due to the complexity of airspace operations.
“The ultimate goal is to make waiver approvals more automated,” Meehan said. “But today, safety still requires human oversight, particularly when dealing with BVLOS, complex airspace, and public safety missions.”
The FAA continues to work toward more efficient, technology-driven solutions while maintaining rigorous safety standards. Officials encouraged public safety agencies to engage with the SOSC and leverage available resources to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.
The FAA’s updates at the National Public Safety UAS Conference underscore a commitment to enhancing drone operations for public safety agencies. The introduction of expedited waivers, reduced COA processing times, and new airspace management tools signals a shift toward greater accessibility and efficiency. However, agencies must stay informed, communicate clearly, and utilize available guidance to maximize their operational capabilities.
As regulatory frameworks evolve, ongoing collaboration between public safety agencies and the FAA will be critical in ensuring safe, effective, and timely UAS deployments in emergency and routine operations alike.
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Read more:
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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