Airspace Authorization and Operational Waivers

The FAA may approve your application for a waiver of provisions in part 107 only when it has been determined that the proposed operation:

• Will be conducted outside of the United States

• Can be safely conducted under the terms of that certificate of waiver

• Involves public aircraft or air carrier operations

Answer explanation

The FAA will only approve your waiver application when it has been determined that the proposed operation can be safely conducted under the terms of that waiver. So make sure to read the instructions and to be thoughtful in your application!

When requesting a waiver, the required documents should be presented to the FAA at least how many days prior to the planned operation?

• 30 days

• 10 days

• 90 days

Answer explanation

When requesting a waiver, the required documents should be presented to the FAA at least 90 days prior to the planned operation.

The FAA says it will strive to complete review and adjudication of waivers within 90 days; however, the time required for the FAA to make a determination regarding waiver requests will vary based on the complexity of the request and the FAA resources available. The amount of data and analysis required as part of the application will be proportional to the specific relief that is requested.

If a Waiver is granted, that certificate may include specific special provisions designed to ensure that the sUAS operation may be conducted as safely as one conducted under the provisions of Part 107.

How should a remote pilot apply for a Certificate of Waiver (CoW)?

• Through the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)

• By submitting Form 8050-1

• By going to faadronezone.faa.gov and following the instructions

Answer explanation

To apply for a Waiver (CoW), you’ll want to go to https://faadronezone.faa.gov, register for your Part 107 account and follow the instructions. The application must contain a complete description of the proposed operation and a justification, including supporting data and documentation (as necessary) that establishes that the proposed operation can safely be conducted under the terms of a CoW.

Is a Remote PIC allowed to operate two sUAS at the same time?

• Yes, as long as both UA’s are equipped with a Return-to-Home failsafe

• No, not without a Waiver

• Yes, as long as a buddy box system is being used

Answer explanation

According to 107.35, a remote PIC is not allowed to simultaneously operate more than one small UA at a time. Even with the use of fancy automation, the operation of multiple small UA is not permitted without a waiver. Companies like Intel and Disney World have Waivers that allow them to conduct their multi-sUAS light shows.

A Certificate of Waiver (CoW) will allow an sUAS operation to:

• A) Fly at night

• B) Deviate from certain provisions of Part 107

• C) Utilize sUAS that weigh more than 55 pounds.

Answer explanation

A Certificate of Waiver (CoW) is a document that lets the Remote Pilot-in-Command deviate from certain provisions of the existing Part 107 regulations.

With a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, can you operate multiple sUAS simultaneously using one controller?

• No, unless you are using a backup controller and buddy-box system, then yes.

• No, unless you have a Waiver, then yes.

• Yes, this is permitted.

Answer explanation

According to 107.35, a remote PIC is not allowed to simultaneously operate more than one small UA at a time. Even with the use of fancy automation, the operation of multiple small UA is not permitted without a waiver. Companies like Intel and Disney World have Waivers that allow them to conduct their multi-sUAS light shows.