Information Bulletin 13-05 Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

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Overview

The Information Bulletin 13-05 Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) () 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: 4

Key points

The FAA considers all Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to be aircraft subject to FAA policy.
UAS operations require prior permission from the FAA through the Certificate of Authorization or Waiver (COA) process.
Hobbyist and amateur model aircraft users are governed by FAA Advisory Circular 91-57, which does not apply to federal, state, or local government operations.
Unauthorized UAS flights by field personnel have been reported during aviation program reviews.
Users of UAS should be familiar with the DOI Memorandum regarding UAS and the FAA's National Policy.

Frequently asked questions

What is the FAA's stance on UAS?

The FAA considers all UAS to be aircraft and subject to its National Policy N8900.207.

Do I need permission to operate a UAS?

Yes, all UAS must receive prior permission from the FAA through the Certificate of Authorization or Waiver (COA) process.

Are hobbyist UAS users subject to the same regulations?

No, hobbyist and amateur model aircraft users are managed under FAA Advisory Circular 91-57, which does not apply to government or commercial operations.

What prompted the issuance of this Information Bulletin?

The bulletin was issued due to multiple reports of unauthorized UAS flights by field personnel during aviation program reviews.

Where can I find more information on UAS regulations?

Additional UAS regulations can be found on the FAA's website at http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/uas/reg/.

Document

OAS - 28 ( 12/12)

United States Department of the Interior

Office of Aviation Services

Information Bulletin

Number: 13 - 0 5 Distribution: All DOI Bureau Aviation Employees Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Subject: Information: The use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) has increased dramatically within the United States. It is important for all Bureau aviation employees to understand that the FAA considers all UAS to be aircraft subjected to the FAA’s National Policy N8900.207 issued 1/22/13.

This policy identifies U nmanned Aircraft as “aircraft” flown by a “pilot” regardless of where the pilot is located. Both the aircraft and pilot must comply with FAA policy. No UAS will be flown without receiving permission in advance from the FAA through their COA (Certificate of Authorization or Waiver) (COA) process. Hobbyist and amateur model aircraft users flying remote controlled aircraft are managed under the FAA’s Advisory Circular (AC) 91 - 57 “Model Aircraft Operating Standards.” AC91 - 57 is not to be used as a basis of approval for the operation of aircraft for Federal, State and local governments or commercial entities.

This IB is the result of multiple reports gathered during aviation program reviews which identified unauthorized UAS flights by field personnel. It is recommended that potential users of UAS be familiar with the DOI Memorandum regarding Unmanned Aircraft Systems accompanying this Information Bulletin (IB 13- 05) and the FAA’s National Policy and additional UAS regulations located at http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/uas/reg/ .