Travis AFB Sustainability Study Report Final Background Report | Page 95
Part 107 also establishes pilot certification and responsibilities, requiring
either a certified UAV pilot, or the supervision of a certified UAV pilot, to
operate a UAV. To qualify for a remote pilot certificate, a person must:
agencies by making detailed information concerning significant
environmental impacts available to both agency leaders and the public.
All projects receiving federal funding, requiring a federal permit, or
occurring on federal property require NEPA compliance and documentation.
NEPA is applicable to all federal agencies, including the military. Not all
federal actions require a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). In some
cases, an action may not cause a significant impact, whereby an agency is
only required to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA).
Demonstrate aeronautical knowledge by either:
ᴏ Passing an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an
FAA‐approved knowledge testing center; or
ᴏ Hold a Part 61 pilot certificate other than student
pilot, complete a flight review within the previous
24 months, and complete a small UAV online training
course provided by the FAA.
Be vetted by the Transportation Security Administration.
Be at least 16 years old.
A NEPA document can serve as a valuable planning tool for local planning
officials. An EA or EIS can assist in the determination of potential impacts
that may result from changing military actions or operations and their effect
on municipal policies, plans and programs, and the surrounding community.
Public hearings are required for all EIS documents released under NEPA.
NEPA requires publishing a draft EA and subsequent Finding of No
Significant Impact (FONSI) and allowing public comment for a period of
30 days. An EA may result in a FONSI or Record of Decision concluding that
the action will have a significant impact and an EIS is required. The
information obtained by the EA / EIS is valuable in planning coordination and
policy formation at the local government level.
Federal Aviation Administration Traditional Aircraft Registration
In December 2015, under 14 CFR Part 47, the FAA established an Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle (UAV) registry, requiring anyone who owns a small UAV,
weighing between 0.55 and 55 pounds to register it with the FAA before
operating it. People who do not register could face civil and criminal
penalties. The maximum civil penalty is a fine of up to $27,500, with
criminal penalties reaching $250,000 or three years in prison, determined by
the FAA. However, the FAA lacks the resources to enforce the rule, so it
depends on local law enforcement to help stop unauthorized use of UAVs.
NEPA mandates that the military analyze the impact of its actions and
operations on the environment, including surrounding civilian communities.
Inherent in this analysis is an exploration of methods to reduce any adverse
environmental impact. The EIS is a public process that welcomes
participation by the community.
National Environmental Policy Act
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 is a federal law
establishing a US national policy to promote the protection and
enhancement of the environment and requiring federal agencies to analyze
and consider the potential environmental impact of their actions. The
purpose of NEPA is to promote informed decision‐making by federal
TSS Background Report
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
Pursuant to the CWA, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) permit program controls water pollution by regulating point
sources that discharge pollutants into US waters. Point sources are discrete
conveyances such as pipes or man‐made ditches. Acc