Unauthorized UAS Operations, to explain how first responders and others can assist the
FAA by:
Identifying potential witnesses and conducting initial interviews;
Contacting the suspected operators of the UAS or model aircraft;
Viewing and recording the location of the event;
Collecting evidence;
Identifying if the UAS operation was at a sensitive location, event, or activity; and
Notifying one of the FAA’s Regional Operation Centers about the operation as
soon as possible.
The FAA finalized the operational rules for use of commercial drones in June 2016. The
new rule, Federal Aviation Regulations Part 107, provides operating requirements,
including maintaining a view of the drone and getting approval before operating in
Class B, C, D, and E airspace from the air traffic control tower. It sets a weight limit of
55 pounds, speed limit of 100 miles per hour, and height limit of 400 feet. Chapter 3 of
this JLUS Background Report provides additional details on the different classes of
airspace and operating parameters associated with them.
The FAA provides many online at https://www.faa.gov/uas/tools, for drone operators to
help ensure safe and legal operation. The tools include:
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“KnowB4UFly” mobile application that helps operators understand where drone
operations are prohibited or limited.
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) allows for
real‐time authorization to operate drones in controlled airspace.
Online “Fly UAS” for registering drones in accordance with Part 107
requirements.
Compatibility Assessment