UAV regulations/FAA/legalities

[punkthinker]

Hi,

I'm currently working on a UAV project with a couple of buddies. Since we're trying to obtain a corporate sponsor for the project, we need to be able to clearly show that we won't be breaking any laws along the way. From the research we've done so far, it would seem that traditionally, class G airspace was fair game for UAVs. However, since Katrina there has been a dramatic increase in UAV activity, and the FAA seems to be in the process of installing some new regulations. Our UAV will be making 100 mile trips, and we're trying to find a good place to do it. Since we're located in Boston, flying over the ocean, along a shoreline, or even launching in Canada are all viable options. If anyone has any ideas/references/links, they would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks in advance.

[octane-link]

I have been involved in doing UAV certification, and at minimum you need a certificate of airworthiness (COA). These take quite a while to get. The other option that I have seen is to get full FAA certification (including tail number).

For any operation in the US and territorial waters, you need FAA approval. Not sure on the Canadian laws.

Also, since you are going beyond line-of-sight, the requirements will be much more stringent.

[zlite]

Octane's right. For what you want to do, you're in fully regulated territory. COA at least. Might be easier in Mexico. Don't know about Candada.

[punkthinker]

I'm looking into COA right now. Its not necessarily a bad thing. We have the resources and the time (2+ years) to make our project regulatory. We're just trying to figure out what the process is. Thanks for your input.

[CenTexFlyer]

I have been involved in doing UAV certification, and at minimum you need a certificate of airworthiness (COA). These take quite a while to get. The other option that I have seen is to get full FAA certification (including tail number).


Hate to be picky, but a COA is a Certificate of Authority and is entirely different than an Airworthiness Certificate. At present there are no standards to provide airworthiness certifications of UA so you can apply for a "special" or "experimental" certificate. Even these are difficult to get.

A Certificate of Authority is issued for a confined area and time and may only be requested by a government entity. Private entities are NOT eligible to apply for Certificate of Authority.

Depending upon the weight and speed of your UA, I would suggest you go north, young man. Canada has standards that can be adhered to and allow you to fly. You will likely as not have any luck planning a 100 mile flight (legally) in the CONUS or it's territories for some time to come. FAA headquarters in D.C. indicates that a full working UA regulation will take until 2012. There is an Agency Regulatory Committee being formed now that will address UA's in the NAS and try to "fast track" and interim measure, but it appears that committee won't even happen until 3Q of this year.

Gene

[Michael_UAV]

Just to avoid any confusion...

COA is a "Certificate of Waiver or Authorization" and is FAA Form 7711-2.

:)

[octane-link]

Ah, I work at a university, so the rules are a bit different for public research.

[sectrix]

These guys know much more then I, but for what it's worth I had a thread in this forum called 'UAV law' (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=791910). I wasn't considering getting authorized, but there was some good feedback and links from members here. So far as I know, this (http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert/design_approvals/uas/reg/media/frnotice_uas.pdf) is the FAA's current policy on UAV certification.

Don't forget if you plan on using radio links that are not your off-the-shelf RC airplane controls, you will also need an amateur radio license of Technician or higher.

[punkthinker]

We'll definitely check out that thread! (when work cuts us some slack :)
we're actually planning on using using gprs (cell phone) for communication. But its nice to know in case we decide to use radio as a backup, or for a particular part of the project.
Right now, a member of our team is researching the Canadian regulations. We'll post back here to let everyone know what kind of progress we're making.

Thanks all
John