DOI Information Bulletin 16-02 Unauthorized purchases and use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as "drones"

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Overview

The DOI Information Bulletin 16-02 Unauthorized purchases and use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as "drones" () is a public-domain DOI Office of Aviation Services aviation safety document, republished here as a free chaptered HTML edition with a linked table of contents and the official PDF.

Publisher: DOI Office of Aviation Services
Document
Pages: 1

Key points

All purchases and use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) by DOI employees must be approved by aviation leadership and the Office of Aviation Services (OAS).
UAS are considered 'aircraft' by both the FAA and DOI and are subject to their regulations.
Unapproved use of hobby-grade UAS threatens the legitimate use of UAS within the DOI.
DOI employees are prohibited from using personal or unapproved UAS for departmental missions.
Employees should report unauthorized UAS purchases to the DOI UAS Fleet Manager.

Frequently asked questions

What is the policy regarding UAS purchases at DOI?

All UAS purchases must be approved by aviation leadership within the Bureau and by the Office of Aviation Services.

Are UAS considered aircraft by the DOI?

Yes, UAS are considered 'aircraft' by both the FAA and DOI and must adhere to their regulations.

What should DOI employees do if they want to use a UAS for their missions?

Employees should work with their Local/Regional/National aviation managers to ensure compliance with applicable policy.

What are the consequences of using unapproved UAS?

Using unapproved UAS can threaten the legitimate use of UAS across the DOI and is not allowed for departmental missions.

How can unauthorized UAS purchases be reported?

Unauthorized purchases should be reported to the DOI UAS Fleet Manager via email or through SAFECOM.gov.

Document

OAS-28 (12/12)

United States Department of the Interior

Office of Aviation Services

Information Bulletin

No. DOI IB 16-02 December 15, 2015 Page 1 of 1 Number: 16-02 Distribution: All DOI Employees Subject: Unauthorized purchases and use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as “drones”.

Information: This Information Bulletin (IB) re-iterates DOI policy related to the acquisition and use of UAS UAS technology has rapidly increased over the last several years. This technology offers users, with little or no training, the ability to fly an aircraft for the purposes of collecting aerial imagery. DOI has an active UAS program that has been approved by the FAA. However we are still finding situations where Departmental employees have purchased off-the-shelf hobby equipment with the intent of using those aircraft to conduct DOI missions. This IB serves as reminder that all aircraft purchases and use, regardless of the size and type of aircraft, must be approved by the aviation leadership within the Bureau, and by OAS. This includes all types and sizes of UAS.

It is important to remind our employees that UAS, are considered “aircraft” by the FAA and DOI and are subject to both FAA and DOI regulations when it comes to their operation. All UAS, and all UAS operators must be approved by OAS prior to flying. Procedures are in place to provide standardized training for DOI operators. Approved DOI UAS operators have the necessary knowledge to operate within the national airspace safely and efficiently.

Unapproved use of hobby grade equipment threatens the legitimate use of UAS across the department. With the holiday season upon us, it is expected that many hobby UAS will be given as gifts. DOI employees are reminded that their personal UAS or any unapproved UAS may not be used to conduct departmental missions. Employees interested in using UAS to accomplish their missions should work with their Local/Regional/National aviation managers to ensure they are compliance with applicable policy. Please report any unauthorized purchases to the DOI UAS Fleet Manager via email to steven_ramaekers@ios.doi.gov or via SAFECOM.gov Examples of Recent Unauthorized Purchases Relevant Links OPM-11 DOI Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/opm-11.pdf Contact for Bureau Aviation Management https://www.doi.gov/aviation/eab/nam_members Digitally signed by BRADLEY KOECKERITZ DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=Department of the BRADLEY Interior, ou=Office of the Secretary of the Interior, Additional information about the DOI UAS cn=BRADLEY KOECKERITZ, 0.9.2342.19200300.100.1.1=14001000192034 KOECKERITZ Date: 2015.12.15 12:48:36 -07'00' Signed:___________________________________ program can be found here UAS Program Manager https://www.doi.gov/aviation/uas DOI, Office of Aviation Services