Chapter 1. Introduction
09/08/2017 8130.34D Chapter 1. In troduction 1. Purpose of This Order. This order establishes procedures for issuing special airworthiness certificates in the experimental category or special flight permit s to unmanned air craft systems ( UAS ) and manned aircraft integrated with UAS technology. For the purposes of this direc tive, manned aircraft integrated with UAS technology are referred to as o ptionally p iloted a ircraft (OPA) . For an OPA, the method of controlling the air craft is optional . This means control may either be through the pilot onboard the aircraft or from a remote station via control link. In either case, the pilot in command always remains onboard the aircraft. Aircraft intend ed to be flown as either an OP A or UAS will be given the designation “ OPA/UAS . ” The terms “ UAS ” and “ OPA ” are further defined in appendix G to this order.
Note: The use of the word “should” throughout this order refers to a recommended practice. The associated activity is not a requirement ; therefore, a record of completion is not required.
2. Audience. All A ircraft C ertification Service (AIR) offices , F light S tandards D istrict O ffices (FSDO), and Air Traffic Organization (ATO) offices involved in UAS , OPA , and OPA/UAS operations. The proce dures contained in this order also apply to private persons delegated authority to issue special airworthiness certificates to UAS, OPA, and OPA/UAS.
3. Where Can I Find This Order? You can find this order on the i nternet at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_notices / or at http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/r g Policy .nsf/ Main Frame?Open Frameset .
4. Explanation of Policy Changes. This revision — a. Removes AIR - 6C3 from the role of coordinating the issuance of original airworthiness certificates.
b. Expands the role of FSDO airworthiness aviation safety inspectors (ASI) in the certification process. Airworthiness ASIs are authorized to issue special airworthiness certificates to UAS, OPA, and OPA/UAS and have primary responsibility for recurrent certifications .
c. Expands the purposes for which special airworthiness certifi cates may be issued to UAS, OPA, and OPA/UAS . New purposes for experimental certificates include showing compliance with regulations and exhibition.
d. Addresses the role of designees at UAS t est s ites as covered in Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) Orde r 8000.372, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DAR) for UAS Certification at UAS Test Sites .
e. Revises operating limitations for UAS, OPA, and OPA/UAS and identifies the office of primary responsibility (OPR) for each l imitation .
f. Revises maintenance related operating limitations and r eferences new maintenance and inspection guidance in FAA Order 8900.1 , Flight Standards Information Management System .
1 - 1 09/08/2017 8130.34D g. Addresses the issuance of FAA Form 7711 - 1, Certificate of Waiver or Aut horization (COA) , to UAS and OPA/UAS.
h. Removes aircraft registration information . The aircraft registry information on the FAA website provides the most u p - to - date information.
i. Adds a risk assessment process that allow s the FAA to determine the applicability of certification tasks for UAS programs . Allowances are given to programs that exhibit less risk.
j. Revises the program letter template in appendix C.
k. R evises the safety checklist template in appendix D.
l. Adds small unmanned aircraft marking guidance from Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations part 48.
m. Removes references to supplemental pilots.
n. Authorizes the use of the fillable PDF format FAA Form 81 30 - 7, Special Airworthiness Certificate.
5. Can c ellation. The following are cancelled upon the effective date of this order: a. FAA Order 8130.34C, Airworthiness Certification of Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Optionally Piloted Aircraft , dated August 2, 2013.
b. All clarification or deviation memorandums issued for the original version of FAA Order 813 0.34 or any subsequent revision that are dated prior to the effective date of this order.
6. Effective Date. This order is effective 09/08/2017 .
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Section 1. Airworthiness Certificates
09/08/2017 8130.34D Chapter 2. Airworthine ss Certifi cates, Authorized Personnel , and Coordination Section 1. Airworthiness Certificates 1. FAA Form 8130 - 7, Special Airworthiness Certificate .
a. Purpose . A special airworthiness certificate may be issued for an aircraft that does not meet the airworthiness requirements for a standard airworthines s certificate. FAA Form 8130 - 7 may be issued to UAS, OPA, and OPA/UAS, pursuant to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) , for the following: (1) An experimental certificate may be issued for the purposes of research and d evelopment (R&D), showing compliance with regulations, crew training, exhibition, and/or market survey , as defined in 14 CFR 21.191 . Previous versions o f this order only provided for the issuance of experimental certificates for the following purposes under § 21.191 : R&D , crew training, and market surve y. Exhibition was added based on requests from the UAS industry.
Showing compliance with regulations was added to facilitate the type certification process. The FAA will continue to evaluate the need to further expand the purposes for which experimental certificates will be issued to UAS, OPA, and OPA/UAS under § 21.191 . Air racing was not included in this order because of the increased risk involved w ith unmanned aircraft performing such operations under other than 14 CFR part 107 . Operating amateur - built aircraft was not included in this order because unmanned aircraft used for hobby or recreational purposes may be developed and operated as model air craft without an experimental certificate if they meet the requirements of 14 CFR part 101, Subpart E . Opera ting a primary kit - built aircraft was not inclu ded in this order because no UAS, OPA, or OPA/UAS manufacturer has obtained a type certificate or production certificate for a UAS, OPA, or OPA/UAS kit. Finally, the purpose of operating a light - sport aircraft (LSA) was not included in this order because consensus standards have not been developed to allow for remote control of an LSA.
(2) A special flight permit may be issued for production flight testing new production aircraft as stated in § 21.197 , even though a type certificate has not been issued for the aircraft .
The aircraft may not currently meet applicable airworthiness requirements, but must be capable of safe flight. The manufacturer must hold o wn ership of the aircraft dur ing production flight testing. The FAA will continue to evaluate the need to further expand the purposes for which special flight permits will be issued to UAS, OPA, and OPA/UAS under § 21.197 . Issuance of a special flight permit for the purpose s of delivering or exporting an aircraft and flying the aircraft to a base where repairs, alterations, or maintenance are to be performe d, or to a point of storage w ere not included in this order because this order restricts civil UAS, OPA, and OPA/UAS to a well - defined flight area during remote control operations. This is also why the § 21.197 purpose of operating an overweight aircraft for flight beyond the normal range over areas where adequate landing facilities or fuel is not available was not included in this order. The purpose of evacuating aircraft from areas of impending danger was not included in this order due to the length of the certification process. For example, exemptions for UAS operations typically take approximately 180 days to process . Finally, the purpose of conduct ing customer demonstration flights in new production aircraft that have successfully completed production flight tests was not included in this order because type certification procedures of UAS, OPA, or OPA/UAS that 2 - 1 09/08/2017 8130.34D carry passengers or cargo are still in development. OPA and OPA/UAS that deactivate or render their remote control system inoperative are no longer eligible for OPA or OPA/UAS certification but may be able to obtain a special flight permit for these purposes using the procedures in FAA Order 8 130.2, Airworthiness Certification of Products and Articles .
b. Experimental Airworthiness Certificates, Multipurpose. An experimental certificate may be issued for more than one of the purposes specified in § 21.191 . The FAA may use its discretion in determining whether to issue a multipurpose certificate or not allowing the aircraft to be used concurrently for more than one purpose. The FAA representativ e should consider how the aircraft configuration may change and how the operation of the aircraft may change from one purpose to another. This information must be included in the applicant’s program letter because it may impact the aircraft’s operating li mitations. Some operations under an R&D certificate may preclude the aircraft’s use for the purpose of exhibition. For example, if the holder of an experimental certificate for the purpose of exhibition seeks an experimental certificate for the purpose o f R&D for the installation of external fuel tanks, the aircraft will require modifications ; and , therefore, the aircraft should only be issued an experimental certificate for the purpose of R&D.
c. Filling Out FAA Form 8130 - 7 . The blocks on FAA Form 8130 - 7 must be completed using all applicable information obtained from a completed FAA Form 8130 - 6, Application for U.S. Airworthiness Certificate , or from the manufacturer’s identification (ID) plate . When completing block A of FAA Form 8130 - 7, Category/Design ation, include the words “ Experimental ” or “ Special Flight Permit , ” as appropriate. When completing block A, Purpose, include the words “ Research & Development, ” “ Crew Training, ” “ Market Survey, ” “ Exhibition , ” a nd/ or “ Showing Compliance, ” a s appropriate , for an experimental certificate, or “ Production Flight Testing ” for a special flight permit.
d. Effective Period.
(1) As set forth in § 21.181 , a n experimental certificate for R&D, showing compliance with regulations, crew training, or market survey is effective for one year after the date of issuance or renewal unless the FAA prescribes a shorter period .
(2) A special flight permit issued for production flight testi ng is effective for the period of time specified in the permit.
(3) An experimental c ertificate for exhibition may be effective for an unlimited amount of time unless the FAA finds good cause to establish a specific period . If a n ew flight area is subsequentl y added to the program letter , the FAA must evaluate the impact to the operating limitations and the need for an amended certificate. Also, the addition of a new flight area will require the re issuance of the FAA Form 7711 - 1.
e. Fillable PDF Form . The FAA Form 8130 - 7 may be a Government Printing Office (GPO) preprinted paper form or a fillable PDF. The fillable PDF format may be found on the MyFAA employee web site at https://employees.faa.gov /tools_resources/forms/ . The date on the form defaults to the “DD MMM YYYY” format. Also, there is a pull - down menu in front of the date to allow entering a letter, such as an “R” for a replacement certificate. When printing a 2 - 2 09/08/2017 8130.34D certificate, set the page scaling to none, or actual size. Use white 8½” x 11” paper. It is recommended to use a heavy weight paper. There were minor format changes made to FAA Form 8130 - 7. The top half of the first page has an image that resembles the old preprinted form, fol lowed by the conditions and limitations. The A through E limitations that were printed on the back of the old preprinted form are now printed below the front of the certificate. The operating limitations date field was removed because the certificate and limitations are now printed together. A change to the limitations is accomplished by either issuance of a new certificate or an amendment. When issuing a replacement certificate and the original operating limitations are available, you may delete condit ions and limitations and replace them with a statement such as, “The attached operating limitations dated DD MMM YYYY are part of this certificate.” (1) The category/designation block has a pull - down menu prepopulated with the following: restricted, limited, p rimary, light - sport, experimental, provisional, and special flight permit. For the purposes of this order, only select experimental or special flight permit.
(2) The purpose block also has a pull - down menu that is prepopulated based upon the selection made in the category/designation block. All of the blocks, including the blocks with a pull - down menu are editable and, when necessary, should be modified per this order .
(3) Small unmanned aircraft may be registered under 14 CFR part 48 with the FAA’s online web - based process and marked with the unique identifier as described in § 48.200 . Enter the unique identifier in the box to the right of “SERIAL NO.” rather than the a ircraft’s actual serial number.
(4) The conditions and limitations sect ion of the form will expand to allow for any number of limitations and pages.
(5) If the certificate is not for production flight test ing , delet e the flight test paragraph.
(6) If the certificate is not for a special flight permit, delete the line authorizing the flight specified.
f. Electronic Signatures. The signature of the ASI or designee on any FAA certificate or form must be made on the original and required copies. The signature must be in blue or black ink. A digital signature that meets the requirements of FAA Order 1370.104, Digital Signature Policy , is also acceptable.
2. Replacement or Amendment of Airworthiness Certificates . Changes to the current airworthiness certificate require specific actions and the issuance of a new FAA Form 8130 - 7.
Each form w ill be completed in accordance with this order.
a. Replacement.
(1) The FAA may issue a replacement airworthiness certificate when a certificate is declared lost, has been mutilated, is no longer l egible , or contains inaccurate and/or erroneous information. The replacement airworthiness certif icate must carry the original issue date of the certificate being replaced, preceded by a capital “ R ” in the Date block of the certificate.
2 - 3 09/08/2017 8130.34D Replacement certificates also will be issued when the aircraft registr ation number has been changed.
(2) A request for a replacement certificate is made to the issuing office. The registered owner must make this request in writing by submitting a signed statement containing t he registration number , serial number, make, and model of the airc raft, and a reason the replacement certificate is needed.
(3) A replacement airworthiness certificate may be issued without supporting documentation from the Aircraft Registr y if the date of issuance and the airworthiness classification and/or category of the lost or mutilated certificate can be positively established from the aircraft records, or from the remains of the certificate. If there is insufficient data on which to base issuance of the replacement certificate, the FAA will request copies of the appro priate data (such as the application form or previously issued airworthiness certificate) from the Aircraft Registration Branch .
(4) Before issuing a replacement certificate, the FAA must review the aircraft records and, if necessary, inspect the aircraft to e nsure that the applicant’s request is justified and that the aircraft is eligible for a special airworthiness certificate. The records review should include, but is not limited to, items such as registration, exemptions, maintenance records, replacement p arts, weight and balance, manuals, and flight testing. A complete aircraft records inspection is not required.
(5) When issuing a replacement for a special airworthiness certificate, the operating limitations must match the operating limitations on the origin al certificate verbatim. Only modifications to the operating limitations for correcting administrative mistakes are allowed.
b. Amendment.
(1) A special airworthiness certificate may be amended when there is a change in the operating limitations.
Note: C hanges to any system, component, software, operating airspace, or program objective may affect the operating limitations. The FAA must discuss changes with the applicant to understand how the proposed change could impact the operating limitations. Major p rogram chang es will require coordination with other FAA offices.
(2) When a certificate is amended, the issuance date will be the current date, and the capit al letter “ A ” will be placed i n front of the date.
(3) Any amendment of an airworthiness certificate will require submi ssion of an FAA Form 8130 - 6 to the responsible certification office. An appropriate record entry will be made in the aircraft records documenting the issuance of the amended certificate.
(4) A co py of the FAA Form 8130 - 6 and the am ended certificate must be fo rwarded to the Aircraft Registration Branch .
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Section 3. Coordination with FAA Offices
09/08/2017 8130.34D 3. Recurrent Certification. For the purpose of this order, the term “recurrent certification” applies to the issuance of special airworthiness certificates that do not meet the original c ertification criteria li st ed above.
4. Exceptions.
a. Any requests, original or recurrent, for a special airworthiness certificate authorized under this order may be coordinated by a manufacturing AS I or an airworthiness ASI . If the responsible office cannot support the certification re quest, an appropriate delegation should be coordinated with an alternate office.
b. If a FSDO receives an application for an original airworthiness certification, that FSDO must coordinate with the responsible Manufacturing Inspection District Office (MIDO) t o determine if the MIDO will process the application or hand - off this responsibility to the FSDO.
Similarly, if a MIDO receives an application for a recurrent airworthiness certification, the MIDO must coordinate with the responsible FSDO to determine if the FSDO will process the application or hand - off this responsibility to the MIDO .
c. Processing an application for a special airworthiness certificate in the experimental c ategory for the purpose of showing compliance with the regulations is the primary resp onsibility of the MIDO . In remote areas or under special circumstances, the MIDO may request that an airworthiness ASI perform these duties if it is established that the person has had experience with UAS, OPA, or OPA/UAS certification of a type and compl exity comparable to the certificate requested.
d. If certification responsibility is handed - off to another office, certain operating limitations may be modified, as required, to identify the responsible office.
Section 3. Coordination w ith FAA Offices 5. Coordination of Or iginal Airworthiness Certificates. A manufacturing ASI or airworthiness ASI will coordinate the original airworthiness certification of a UAS, OPA, or OPA/UAS with the FAA offices included in this section . Th e ASI acts as a single point of contact betwe en the applicant and the FAA offices. The ASI ensures the program letter, safety checklist ( if determined to be necessary to meet the pertinent regulatory standards; see appendix E, UAS Risk Index , to this order ), documents, manual s, and communications fr om the applicant are provided to the appr opriate FAA offices . The ASI also provide s the operating limitations document to the FAA offices. Adequate time must be provided for review of all documentation .
The FAA offices that are involved with the origina l certific ation of a UAS, OPA, or OPA/UAS include — a. The Technical Support Branch (AUS - 420) of the UAS Safety and Integration Division ( AUS - 400 ) . This office provides risk assessments and hazard analysis. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, review of the program letter, major program and configuration changes, safety cases, and operating limitations. AUS - 420 will also review the safety checklist and flight test plan, which are specified in appendix E to this order .
2 - 6 09/08/2017 8130.34D b. The General Aviation Opera tions Branch (AFS - 830) of the General Aviation and Commercial Division (AFS - 800) . This office consists of o perations ASIs who provide guida nce for operational procedures and aircrew issues. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, review of pro gram letter s , operations manual s, aircrew training manuals, major program and configuration changes, crew member qualification and training documents , safety cases, and the operating limitations . AFS - 830 will also review the safety checklist and flight tes t plan, as specified by the UAS Risk Index . An operations ASI has primary responsibility for the flight portion of the on site inspection . AFS - 830 may request support from the geographically res ponsible FSDO .
c. The Emerging Technologies Team, ( AJV - 115 ) of t he Air Traffic Organization . This office consists of air traffic specialists that determine feasibility of flight areas. AJV - 115 p rovide s air traffic procedures which consist of lost link procedures, flight termination procedures, and alternate means of compliance with the right - of - way requirements of 14 CFR 91.113 . The se air traffic procedures are documented on an FAA Form 7711 - 1. The applicant’s program lette r and safety checklist will assist in formulating air traffic procedures . This office must be notified of major program or configuration changes that impact airspace or air traffic procedures. This office also reviews the operating limitations.
d. T he geogr aphically responsible FAA office (MIDO, Manufacturing Inspection Satellite Office (MISO), or FSDO) p erforming the certification . The manufacturing ASI or airworthiness ASI is responsible for completing the coordination requirements, as described in this section , with other FAA offices and ensuring the certification requirements in c hapter 3 of this order are complete .
e. T he geographically responsible airworthiness ASI . R esponsibilities regarding the inspection and maintenance program are specified in FAA Order 8900.1 . Pursuant to the UAS Risk Index, FSDO participation is not required for the original certification of Group I or Group II UAS programs .
Coord ination of Recurrent Airworthiness Certificates.
a. If requested by an applicant, an experimental certificate may be reissued. For recurrent certification, the airworthiness ASI acts as a single point of contact between the applicant and AUS - 4 2 0 , AFS - 830, an d AJV - 115 . The airworthiness ASI conducting the recurrent certification must coor dinate major program or configuration change s and certification documents, as detailed in chapter 3 to this order, with AUS - 4 2 0 , AFS - 830, and AJV - 115 . AUS - 4 2 0 , AFS - 830, and AJV - 115 responsibilities will continue as described above.
b. W hen the review and acceptance of a maintenance and inspection program is required, a ny changes to the maintenance and inspection program will be coordinated with the geographic airworthiness ASI .
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Chapter 3. Special Airworthiness Certification
Section 1. Certification of UAS, OPA, and OPA/UAS
09/08/2017 8130.34D Chapter 3. Special Airworthiness Certification Section 1. Certification of UAS, OPA, and OPA/UAS 1. “Certificated as a system.” UAS, OPA, and OPA/UAS are certificated as a system. The system includes the aircraft and other associated elements that are required to safely operate the aircraft. Examples of associated elements may include i tems such as a control station, launch rail, recovery net, or communication data links.
a. For the purpose of this order, the term “certificated as a system” does not require that each aircraft be op erated by a specific control station with a specific datalink antenna . That is, if an applicant has seven aircraft, then it does not mean that seven control stations, seven sets of datalink antennas, and seven launch platforms are also required. In this instance, it is acceptable to certificate all seven aircraft with a single control station, even if the aircraft are different models. Each aircraft’s program letter must include the control station model that is needed for operations. Operationally, thi s order specifies that each aircraft be controlled by only one control station at a time. A control station may not be used to simultaneously operate multiple aircraft.
b. Just as a single control station can be certific ated with multiple aircraft, this orde r also allows an aircraft to be certificated with multiple control station models . This is a fairly common occurrence , especially for UAS programs. For example, programs that use a laptop computer as their primary control station may use a hand - held cont rol station as a back - up. If the primary control station loses link with the aircraft, the back - up control station may be able to re - establish a datalink with the aircraft since back - up control stations typically operate on a different frequency. When mu ltiple models of control stations are used with an aircraft, each control station model must be included in the program letter, safety checklist, and maintenance and inspection program .
2. UAS Certification. FAA inspectors will use the procedures in this or der to issue special airworthiness certificates to UAS . Operating limitations will be composed of the applicable limitations in appendix A to this order. Operating limitations in appendix A to this order were designed to permit unmanned aircraft (UA) to conduct initial flight test and subsequent flight operations without the need to reissue an airworthiness certificate between these phases .
3. OPA Certification. OPA receive experimental certificates and special flight permits using a combination of the cer tification process in FAA Order 8130.2 and the OPA procedures in this order. Comply with the following : a. AUS - 4 2 0 , AFS - 830, and AJV - 115 will be included in the coordination of o riginal and recurrent certif icates , pursuant to this order.
b. To meet § 21.193 requirements, t he applicant should submit a program letter using the guidance in FAA Order 8130.2 and supplement the program letter with any additional info rmation specified in appendix C, to this order. The applicant should submit a safety checklist that contains information in appendi x D , t o this order.
3 - 1 09/08/2017 8130.34D c. A safety evaluation will be conducted using the process in this order .
d. Operating limitations will be com p ri sed of those specified by FAA Order 8130.2 and supplemented with the applicable limitations in appendix B to this order.
e. When a maintenance and inspection program is required by § 21.195 , t he control station and other associated elements required for remote pilot operations will be included.
f. T he control station and other associated elements necessary for remote operations will be inspected during the on site inspection . During the inspection, the applicant must demonstrate control link and control station functionality by performing procedure s such as turning on/off the aircraft lights, deflecting flight controls, and/ or condu cting an engine run . The FA A inspector must verify proper movement of the control station instrumentation . For additional details, reference s ection 4 of this chapter.
g. Civil aircraft operators who choose not to undergo a safety evaluation for their OPA - designed aircraft must remove any onboard equipment that enables a remote control station to control the aircraft. In this case, t he aircraft cannot be certifi cated or operated as an OPA.
4. OPA/UAS Certification. For the purpose of this order, aircraft that intend to fly as either an OPA or a UAS will be given the designation of OPA/UAS. OPA/UAS receive experimental certificates and special flight permits using a combination of the certification process in FAA Order 8130.2 and the OPA/ UAS procedures in this order. Comply with the fo llowing: a. AUS - 400 and AJV - 115 will be included in the coordination of original and recurrent certificates, pursuant to this order.
b. To meet § 21.193 requir ements, t he applicant should submit a program letter using the guidance in FAA Order 8130.2 and supplement the program letter with any additional information specified in appendix C, to this order. The applicant should submit a safety checklist that conta ins information in appendix D, to this order.
c. A safety evaluation will be conducted using the process described in this order. The safety evaluation must include manned and unmanned configurations. If the unmanned configuration was not included in the sa fety evaluation, the aircraft may only be certificated as an OPA. A subsequent safety evaluation must then be conducted to address the unmanned configuration before the aircraft may receive an airworthiness certificate as an OPA/UAS.
d. Operating limitations will be comp ri sed of those specified in FAA Order 8130.2 and supplemented with the applicable limitations in appendices A and B to this order. Eliminate duplicative operating limitations. The FAA may impose additional operating limitations as deemed nec essary. The ASI must identify which operating limitations apply to certain configurations and conditions, such as when the aircraft is flown by the pilot without inputs from a ground control station, or during OPA or unmanned operations. Slight modificat ion of each operating limitation may be necessary to ensure these distinctions are clear . It is also acceptable to assemble the limitations in sections specific to a particular configuration . For example, one section could be for limitations that apply t o both manned and unmanned configurations, another 3 - 2
Section 2. Policies and Procedural Requirements
09/08/2017 8130.34D section could be for the OPA configuration, and a third section could include those limitations that are only applicable during unmanned flight.
e. The control station and other associated elements required f or remote pilot operations will be included in the maintenance and inspection program .
f. The control station and other associated elements required for remote operations will be inspected during the on site inspection . During the inspection, the applicant mu st demonstrate control link and control station functionality by performing procedures such as turning on/off the aircraft lights, deflecting flight controls, and/or conducting an engine run. The FAA inspector must verify proper movement of the control st ation instrumentation. For additional details, reference s ection 4 of this chapter.
g. A n operating limitation must prescribe that an aircraft maintenance record entry be made each time the aircraft is converted between OPA and UAS configurations .
Section 2. Policies a nd Procedur al Requirements General. The procedures in this chapter provide guidance material associated with airworthiness certification and the issuance of an FAA Form 8130 7. The FAA must conduct any inspections necessary to verify proper completion o f the certification procedures listed in this chapter.
2. Registration . The procedures for aircraft registration and issuance of registration numbers are c ontained in 14 CFR part 47 and part 48 . Aircraft registration is not a function of airworthiness certification; however, U.S. registration is a prerequisite for issuance of an airworthiness certificate. The FAA must ensure an aircraft presented for airworthiness certification is registered. This order does not apply to UAS that meet the model aircraft criteria specified in 14 C.F.R. part 101.
3. FAA Form 8130 - 6, Application for U.S. Airworthiness Certificate. FAA F orm 8130 - 6 is required whenever a special airworthiness certificate is issued or amended. The application for a U.S. airworthiness certificate must be made by the registered owner or an authorized agent who has a notarized letter of authorization from the registered owner. F or an experimental airworthiness certificate , an applicant must complete sections I, II, an d III (blocks A, B [ when applicable] , C, and D). As an example, if an OPA/UAS was being used to conduct R&D in both OPA and UAS configurations, then block 1 and block 9A should be checked in block B$ of section II. F or a special flight permit to conduct production flight testing , an applicant must complete s ections I, II, and VI. The applicant must sign the application. Advisory Circular 21 - 12, Application for U.S. Airworthiness Certificate, FAA Form 8130 - 6 , provides guidance and information on how to p repare and submit an FAA Form 8130 - 6.
4. UAS Risk Index . Because UA have large variances in size, weight, technology, and flight envelopes, the airworthiness certification process used in this order is based on assessed risk .
The baseline parameters of thi s order — the use of FAA certificated pilots , the use of visual observe rs , visual line of sight operations , day time operations in visual meteorological conditions ( VMC ) to permit VFR flight as required by § 91.319(d)(2) , and the avoidance of densely 3 - 3 09/08/2017 8130.34D populated areas — provide a high degree of risk mitigation. Use appendix E , UAS Risk Index, to assist in determin ing the appropriate certification ta s ks for a particular UA . The risk index indicates that programs deemed to have lower risk can satisfy the pertinent regulatory standards by complet ing fewer airworthiness certification tasks than programs deemed to have higher risk.
Previous policy specified that applicants co mplete all certification tasks regardless of UA size, weight, technology, and flight envelopes.
a. Risk Categories and Elements . Table E - 1 in appendix E identifies four categories that are used to assess risk. The categories are comp o sed of operational and performance parameters.
Each category is broken down into incremental elements that are assigned points. Higher risk elements are assigned more points. Use t he applicant’s response to item #6 , Certification Categor y, of the program letter to assign poi nts to each element. Add all the point values in the right - hand column of t able E - 1 to determine the total score.
b. Risk Index . Use the total score from t able E - 1 to determine the risk group. The degree of risk increases from Group I to Group III ; theref ore, a Group I aircraft can meet the pertinent regulatory standards by completing fewer tasks than aircraft in higher risk groups . Some certification tasks were not included in t able E - 4 because they will apply to all risk categor ies .
These items include the FAA Form 8130 - 6, program letter, aircraft registration, aircraft markings, and certificated pilots. Early in the certification process, notify the applicant and FAA team members wh ich Group applies .
c. Program C hanges . The FAA inspector must reevalu ate the risk group when program changes occur. For example, i f the applicant/operator proposes changes such as the ad d ition of external fuel tanks, fly ing at a higher altitude, or fly ing at a new operating area t hat is closer to a towered airport , then an y of these program changes may result in a higher risk score and subsequently a higher risk group . The certification requirements for the new risk group must be complete before the FAA authorizes the program changes.
5. Program Letter.
a. The program letter out lines the program objectives and describes the purpose of the flight operation. Minute details are not required, however, the program letter must be detailed enough to permit the FAA to prescribe the conditions and limitations necessary to ensure safe ope ration of the aircraft. The program letter must not contain information that is proprietary, confidential, company - sensitive, subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR ) ( 22 CFR , subchapter M ), subject to Export Administrati on Regulations (EAR) ( 15 CFR part 734 ) , or otherwise restricted from public or foreign disclosure. The program letter must be provided to all FAA offices involved in the certification process.
b. Appendix C to this order is a program letter template that includes information required by 14 CFR 21.193 or 14 CFR 21.199 , as applicable. The pro gram letter must be submitted to the responsible office. The program letter must be reviewed to ensure the requirements of § 21.193 or § 21.199 (as applicable) have been met. The program letter template was designed to aid in completing the UAS R isk I ndex.
3 - 4 09/08/2017 8130.34D c. While OPA and OPA/UAS applicants primarily follow the program letter guidance in FAA Order 8130.2, they must supplement their program letter with any additional items that are included in appendix C, to this order , that do not appear in Order 8130.2. An example is the requirement for the applicant to pr ovide information regarding the control station .
6. Safety Checklist.
a. T he applicant should provide the responsible office with a completed safety checklist that reflects the configuration of the aircraft at the time of certification . A ll requested informatio n in appendix D to this order should be provided . The FAA inspector must distribute the safety checklist to all FAA offices involved in the certification process.
b. For certification of multiple aircraft, a n applicant does not need to provide a safety check list for each aircraft as long as they are of the same model. If there are minor (i.e. non - major) configuration differences within a particular model, then these differences may be addressed in an attachment to the safety checklist.
c. After original certifi cation, if the applicant proposes major configuration or operational changes, then the applicant must update the safety checklist and provide it to the responsible office. Major configuration changes cause an appreciable effect on the weight, balance, str uctural strength, reliability, operational characteristics, or other characteristics affecting the safe operation of the aircraft. Major operational changes include items that conflict with or differ from the requirements stated in the FAA Form 7711 - 1 or operating limitations. Examples include, but are not limited to, changes to operating altitudes, air traffic control provisions, or lost link procedures.
d. Compliance with the pertinent certification requirements for UAS applicants that operate aircraft in the Group I category in the UAS Risk Index can be evaluated without the need for the applicant to submit a safety checklist. Questions or clarifications required by FAA offices regarding a Group I applicant’s program should instead be handled through emai l or via teleconference.
7. Flight Area s .
a. AJV - 115 must be provided with a chart and the boundary coordinates of any flight test areas or operating area s that are being proposed by an applicant . AJV - 115 will assess the p roposed area for feasibility. The prop osed flight test and/or operating area must be plotted on an aeronautical chart, topographical map, or satellite image and included in the program letter.
The applicant must also include latitude and longitude coordinates that identify the corners of the airspace boundary in degrees:minutes:seconds format. If the area is circular, the applicant must provide the coordinates of the center point and the radius length. The applicant must also provide the proposed maximum operating altitude.
b. 14 CFR 91.319 requires that an unproven aircraft be assigned to a flight test area. The assigned flight test area is prescribed pursuant to § 91.305 . Fl ight testing must be conducted over open water or sparsely populated areas, having light air traffic, until the aircraft is shown to be controllable throughout its normal range o f speeds and maneuvers , and has not displayed any hazardous operating characteristics or design features. The FAA is required to determine that 3 - 5 09/08/2017 8130.34D the proposed flight test area does not exceed that which is reasonably required to accomplish the flight purpose. In some c ases, assigning multiple flight test areas may be required to accommodate various aircraft configurations, types of operations, or safety hazards.
c. Typically, the flight test area is smaller, restricted in altitude, and in closer proximity to the operator ’s control station when compared to the o perating area. The flight test area may be a subpart of the operating area , or f or some programs, the flight test area and the operating area may be the same. For exhibition aircraft, the flight test area and the op erating area where the aircraft is exhibited are not likely to be the same. Both of these areas should be evaluated during the initial certification. If the flight test area is different from the operating area, these areas should be clearly identified i n the program l etter . For UAS, the operating limitations in appendix A to this order were designed to allow the aircraft to be flown in the operating area after completion of initial flight testing without the need for reissuing the airworthiness certific ate.
The addition of new flight areas will require the FAA Form 7711 - 1 to be revised and may require revision of the operating limitations .
d. In the case of the first flight of an aircraft from an airport surrounded by a densely populated area, but with at least one acceptable approach/departure route of flight, ensure a route of flight is selected which subjects the fewest number of persons and least amount of property to possible hazards. This routing must be included in the operating limitations or in FA A Form 7711 - 1 . In addition, upon leaving such an airport, the aircraft must be required to operate f ro m an outlying airport until its controllability and safety are established, after which the aircraft may return to its base and use the established route for subsequent operations. An acceptable approach/departure corridor exists when the routing provides reasonable opportunit ie s to execute an off - airport emergency landing that will not jeopardize other persons or property.
e. In the case where a proposed ta keoff or recovery location is surrounded by a densely populated area and lacks an acceptable approach/departure route to the flight area , the FAA may deny issuing the airworthiness certificate until a suitable site is agreed upon and authorized.
f. FAA Order 8900.1 contains additional information regarding UAS operations in Class A, B, C, D, E, or G airspace.
8. Flight Test Plan . F light test plan s should be developed to show that t he aircraft is controllable throughout its normal range of speeds and throughout all the maneuvers to be executed . The aircraft must have no hazardous operating characteristics or design features.
Flight test plans are requi red for initial flight testing and also before conducting market survey, crew training , and exhibition operations following a major configuration change. AUS - 4 2 0 and AFS - 830 must be provided adequate time to review an applicant’s flight test plan.
Note: F light test plan s are not required fo r UAS that fall in Group I of the UAS Risk Index .
3 - 6 09/08/2017 8130.34D 9. UA Operating Policy . General UA operating policy can be found in FAA Order 8900.1 .
10. Contingency Planning . Policy for UA lo st link procedures, divert/contingency points, and flight termination procedures can be found in FAA Order 8900.1 .
11. Spectrum Authorization . Advise the applicant that r adio fr equencies used for uplink and downlink of control, telemetry, and payload information must be authoriz ed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) .
12. Automation in UA Operations . U A must have the ability to avoid hazards in a timely manner . This may be accomplished by a change of speed, altitude, heading, or routing. UA that fly a preprogrammed profile without the ability of the pilot to subsequently change the speed, altitude, heading, or rou ting of the aircraft, are prohibited outside of active restricted or warning areas designated for aviation u se . T his restriction does not apply to UA operating under lost link procedures , even though the pilot may be technically considered out - of - the - loop.
13. UA S Crewmembers . UA pilots must meet the requirements of 14 CFR parts 61 and 67 , as appropriate , during operation . See FAA Order 8900.1 for information regarding UAS crewmembers , to include visual observers (VO). The FAA Form 7711 - 1 may include additional VO information that is unique to a specific program.
14. Maintenance and Inspection . Maintenance and inspection information for UAS, OPA, and OPA/UAS ar e specified in FAA Order 8900.1 .
15. Aircraft Markings.
a. Markings for Small Unmanned Aircraft.
(1) A small unmanned aircraft is an unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds on takeoff, including everything that is on board or otherwise atta ched to the aircraft. S mall unmanned aircraft may be registered with the FAA’s online web - based process and marked with the unique identifi er as described in § 48.200 . Alternatively, § 48.1(b)(2) states that if an applicant use s the part 47 registration process to obtain an N - number, then the small unmanned aircraft must be identified and marked using subparts A and C of 14 CFR part 45 .
(2) According to § 48.205 , t he unique identifier must be maintained in a condition that is legible and affixed to the aircraft by any means necessary to ensure that it will remain affixed for the duration of each operation. The unique identifier must be readily accessible and visible upon inspection of the aircraft. Unlike part 45 , part 48 does not contain requirements for size, contrast, ornamentation, or specific location of marks . Furthermore, part 48 does not require a mark consisting of the Roman capital letter “N” (denoting United States registration) , the word “experimental” , or a fireproof identification plate.
b. Markings for OPA, OPA/UAS, and UAS that Operate at 55 Pounds or Greater (1) Identification and markings must comply with part 45 . Marks must be painted on the aircraft or affixed by any other means that ensures a similar degree of permanence.
3 - 7 09/08/2017 8130.34D The nationality and registration marks may be affixed with readily removable material if the aircraft is intended for immediate delivery to a foreign purchaser or if it bear s a temporary registration number.
(2) Requirements for the height, width, thickness, spacing, uniformity, and size of nationality and registration numbers are addressed in § 45.29 . If authorized surfaces listed in § 45.25 or § 45.27 are not large enough for full - sized marks, then marks as large as practicable must be made on the largest authorized surface pursuant to § 45.29(f) .
(3) Pursuant to § 45.22(d ) , when it is impossible for an applicant to mark their aircraft in accordance with §§ 45.21 and 45.23 through 45.33 , the applicant will contact the AIR Policy and Innovation Division ( AIR - 600 ) with a letter requesting approval for alternate sizes and/or locations for their markings. The letter must contain a diagram or pict ure of where the proposed markings will be located on the aircraft. If approved, AIR - 600 will provide an alternate marking approval letter to the applicant.
16. Safety Evaluation .
a. After review of an applicant’s program letter and safety checklist, if the prog ram is deemed feasible by the FAA offices involved with the certification, then the applicant will be invited to participate in a safety evaluation. The safety evaluation may be conducted in person or via other means, such as a teleconference, at a locati on determined by the FAA. The UAS Risk Index notes that compliance with 21.193 can be determined without a safety evaluation for UAS in Group I or Group II .
b. ASIs and specialists from AUS - 4 2 0, AFS - 830, AJV - 115, the geographically responsible FSDO, and the geographically responsible MIDO or MISO typically participate in the safety evaluation . Pursuant to the UAS Risk Index, FSDO participation in the safety evaluation is not required for the original certification of UAS programs where the maintenance and in spection program does not have to be reviewed and accepted. For original certifications where a UAS DAR is involved, the UAS DAR must participate in the safety evaluation. If a manufacturing or airworthiness ASI or a UAS DAR did not attend the safety eva luation for the original certification but is needed for a recurrent certification, then the applicant must brief the safety checklist to the se individuals prior to the onsite inspection.
c. The applicant is expected to present a detailed explanation of the i nformation provided in the safety checklist. The applicant must be prepared to discuss detailed system descriptions and explain how the system operates. The applicant must also discuss the proposed flight area and the planned flight operations. Complex proposals regarding major configuration or operating changes that are planned to occur after original certification may also be discussed.
d. The FAA will determine if the applicant’s system is safe to operate in the n ational a irspace s ystem based on complian ce with 14 CFR . The FAA will also consider the applicant’s risk mitigation strategies and safety features. The applicant must provide the FAA with a complete description of the specifics of its program.
3 - 8 09/08/2017 8130.34D e. During a safety evaluation, the FAA may identify ite ms that require applicant action. At the conclusion of the safety evaluation, provide a summary list to the applicant of any “action items” that must be accomplished.
f. After the safety evaluation is complete, explain to the applicant how the onsite inspect ion will be conducted. Confirm the location and any equipment requirements, such as the availability of a copier or printer. Explain to the applicant how the documentation review, aircraft and control station inspection, control link demonstration, opera ting limitations review , and certificate issuance will be conducted. The FAA operations ASI may want to discuss the flight profile. Advise the applicant that radio frequencies require approval from the FCC or NTIA. If major problems were discovered duri ng the safety evaluation and a timely onsite inspection is questionable or doubtful, th is discussion may be delayed to a later date.
g. After a special airworthiness certificate has been issued, the certification process for subsequent aircraft of the same mo del does not need to include a safety evaluation as long as no major changes have been made to the system configuration or flight operations . If major changes have been made, and a safety evaluation is warranted, the safety evaluation may be modified to o nly address the major changes.
17. Operating Limitations . Operating limitations generally applicable to aircraft with special airworthiness certificates are printed on the reverse side of the FAA Form 8130 - 7 (GPO pad only) . Any additional operating limitati ons will be enumerated on a separate sheet, dated, signed, and attached to the FAA Form 8130 - 7 (GPO pad only) . The first page of the operating limitations is prepared on FAA letterhead. When using the fillable PDF FAA Form 8130 - 7 , the certificate and limitations are now printed together.
a. As authorized by § 91.319 , the FAA may recommend additional limi tations for experimental aircraft as deemed necessary. Operating limitations must be designed to fit the specific situation encountered, which may vary depending on the aircraft type, its condition, operating environment, operator capabilities, and intend ed use.
b. UAS operating limitations are in appendix A to this order. Appendix B contains operating limitations for OPA. The applicability of a § 21.191 pu rpose authorized pursuant to this order, for example R&D, is identified for each operating limitation. If an operating limitation is not applicable for the purpose for which certification is being sought, then it should be omitted. Questions about a spec ific limitation should be directed to the OPR identified for each limitation. Notes have been added to provide clarification and additional information to the ASI. For the operating limita tions provided to the applicant, do not include the applicability, OPR, and notes that follow the limitation .
c. Allow all FAA offices involved in the certification process to review the operating limitations prior to the onsite inspection. After FAA review, forward the operating li mitations to the applicant to allow suffi cient time for the applicant to prepare for the flight portion of the onsite inspection.
d. During the onsite inspection, t he FAA inspector must review each imposed operating limitation with the applicant to ensure the operating limitations are understood . For recurrent 3 - 9 09/08/2017 8130.34D inspections with the same applicant, only changes need to be reviewed. A program manager, chief pilot, operations supervisor, or equivalent should be present during this review. Do not place the operator’s or applicant’s name on the limitat ions.
18. FAA Form 7711 - 1, Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) .
a. AJV - 115 must be notified of any flight test areas or operating areas that are proposed by the applicant. The FAA office that conducts the airworthiness inspection must receive an FAA For m 7711 - 1 from AJV - 115 p rior to the onsite inspection . The FAA Form 7711 - 1 serves as a waiver from the see and avoid requirements of § 91.113 . This form must be pr ovided to the applicant even if a chase aircraft will be used. During OPA/UAS operations, the FAA Form 7711 - 1 will be in effect during UA S operations. The FAA Form 7711 - 1 address es items that impact airspace and air traffic procedures. Examples of items include d in the FAA Form 7711 - 1 are ATC provisions , instructions for visual observer s and chase aircraft, filing of Notices to Airmen ( NOTAM ) , and emergency procedures for lost link, lost sight, and lost communications .
A chart and a description or coord inates of the authorized flight test or operational area are also included in the FAA Form 7711 - 1 . The applicant should receive a copy of the FAA Form 7711 - 1 early enough to ensure they have time to prepare for the flight portion of the onsite inspection.
An FAA Form 7711 - 1 will not be issued to an OPA.
b. Unmanned aircraft flight operations are not authorized outside the flight area boundaries iden tified in the FAA Form 7711 - 1.
c. An FAA Form 7711 - 1 will not be issued when an applicant’s operating area is only within active restricted airspace .
19. Possession and Display of Documentation . For UA operations, the aircraft registration, airworthiness certificate, FAA Form 7711 - 1, and aircraft operating manual must be maintained at the control station. These documen ts do not need to be carried on board an aircraft when flown in the unmanned configuration. By legal interpretation , the FAA determined that for an unmanned aircraft, maintaining these documents at the pilot’s control station would meet the intent of §§ 47.3(b)(2) and 47.3l(c) , as well as §§ 91. 9(b) and 91.203 (a) and (b) , as the PIC would be able to produce the documents for his or her own info rmation or to an FAA inspector.
20. Onsite Inspection . AUS - 4 2 0 and AFS - 830 norm ally attend the onsite inspection for original certification s . During the onsite inspection, the FAA will review the applicant’s documentation and inspect the aircraft , control station, and other associated elements prior to issuing the special airworthin ess certificate . For original certifications, a n operations ASI from AFS - 830 will then oversee the flight portion of the onsite inspection. AFS - 830 may hand - off this responsibility to another geographically located operations ASI. Weather permitting, op erators of experimental aircraft are expected to perform a simple f l ight demonstration from their flight test plan . If a flight test plan is not necessary (see appendix E for guidance) , then a basic profile or simple maneuvers should be flown. Operators who receive a special flight permit for the purpose of production flight testing are expected to conduct a production flight test profile. The flight will allow the FAA to validate the flight test area and observe operational procedures. The flight porti on of the onsite inspection is not required if an operations ASI elects to not attend. An 3 - 10
Section 3. Exhibition Certification of Unmanned Aircraft
09/08/2017 8130.34D operations ASI may elect to attend a recurrent certification and have the operator conduct a flight.
21. Recording of Inspections . FAA Form 8100 - 1, Conformity Inspecti on Record, is used to document airworthiness certification. FAA Form 8100 - 1 must be prepared in accordance with the instructions shown on the back of the form.
22. Major Program or Configuration Changes . When an applicant proposes major changes a fter an air worthiness certificate has been issued, t he FAA must determine the impact to the operating limitations and the FAA Fo rm 7711 - 1. For UA S , verify that certifi cation items in the UAS Risk Index have not changed . Major program and configuration changes will be coordinated with the FAA offices identified in chapter 2 of this order.
23. Transfer of Ownership . The geographically responsible FSDO will be notified when a transfer of ownership occurs.
24. Records Retention . A copy of all certification documents are t o be retained in the files of the issuing office as required b y FAA Order 8130.2 . FAA Form 8100 - 1 must be retained in accordance with the current version of FAA Order 1350.1 4 , Records Management .
Section 3. Exhibition Certification of U nmanned Aircraft General . Un der the provisions of § 21.191(d), experimental aircraft certificated for the purpose of exhibition are defined as aircraft that exhibit the aircraft’s flight capabilities, performance, or unusual characteristics at air shows, fly ins, and aviation events; for motion picture, television, and similar productions; and for the maintenance of exhibition flight proficiency, including (for persons exhibiting aircraft) flying to and from such events and productions.
2. UA Aviation Event/Air Show Safety Case and Waive r . See FAA Order 8900.1 for information on UA participation in aviation events and air shows. The UA operator may need to submit a safety case to the FAA . The operator must receive a separate aviation event/air show waiver . UA ex hibition operation s are restricted t o airports or locations that are within class C, D, E, or G airspace unless otherwise authorized in the aviation event/ air show waiver.
3. Difference w ith Certification Phases in FAA Order 8130.2 . Manned aircraft , including OPA, that receive experimental cer tificates for the purpose of exhibition undergo two certification phases. Phase I involves flight test ing of a newly assembled aircraft to ensure compliance with § 91.319(b) . Phase II begins after Phase I testing is complete as long as the aircraft configuration remains the same. For a UA S , t he experimental certification process uses a combination of both phases rather than two distinct phases . The reason for thi s difference is that experimental UA always operate with in a well - defined , sparsely populated area as authorized in FAA Form 7711 - 1 . The procedures in this order, and the operating limitations in appendix A to 3 - 11
Section 4. Inspection Activities
09/08/2017 8130.34D this order, were written to permit both initi al flight test ing and subsequent exhibition flight operations under the same certificate.
4. Home Base Changes or Ownership Transfers. When an aircraft’s home base is changed or there is a transfer of ownership, the owner must submit a new program letter an d a copy of the FAA - accepted mainte nance and inspection program , if required , pursuant to FAA Order 8900.1 , to the geographically responsible FSDO within 3 0 days . The gaining FSDO should accept the previously accepted program , but may review it to ensure adequacy.
Section 4. I nspection Activities Note: While OPA and OPA/UAS primarily follow inspection procedures in FAA Order 8130 .2 , FAA inspectors must supplement those pro cedures with applicable items in this section, such as coordinating with other FAA offices, check ing the connectivi ty between the aircraft and control station, and inspecting the control station.
1. Supporting Docume ntation.
a. S upporting documents must be revie wed by th e appropriate FAA office. For example, operational documents such as the flight test plan, operating manual, training manual, and crewmember qualification document s must be reviewed by the operations ASI. A ll FAA offices participating in the cer tification must review the safety checklist .
b. All documentation must have been written in or translated into the English language.
Unless otherwise stated in table E - 4 of appendix E to this order, for an original certification the following items should be submitted by the applicant prior to the onsite inspection to meet the pertinent regulatory requirements : (1) Safety Checklist.
(2) Operating Manuals and Checklists . All operating manuals, including limitations and checklists for normal, abnormal, and emergenc y p rocedures must be provided.
(3) Training Manuals and Documentation. If an application states that crewmembers will complete a safety program, then a pplicants must provide documentation that shows crewmembers have successfully com pleted all necessary training.
(4) Exemption s and Waivers . Applicants must establish that their proposed operation will comply with the pertinent operating regulations. If an applicant’s proposed operation would not comply with the applicable regulations, the a pplicant must obtain an exe mption or waiver to permit the conduct of the proposed operation and should provide these documents as part of their application . Ensure that the operating limitations do not conflict with the provisions of any exemption and FAA Form 7711 - 1.
(5) Alternate Mar king Approval Letter. If the aircraft is of unusual size or shape and cannot be marked in accordance with applicable s ubpart C procedures in part 45 , the applicant must propose an alterna te marking procedure to AIR - 600 pursuant to the aircraft marking 3 - 12 09/08/2017 8130.34D guidance in this chapter. Alternatively, small unmanned aircraft may be marked using the procedures in part 48 .
(6) Flight Test Plan. If necessary , (see appendix E to this order for guidance) , the flight test plan should address initial flight test objectives and flight profiles.
(7) Safety Evaluation Action Items. Ensure all action items identified during the safety evaluation have been completed. Action items may have been tasks assigned to the applicant or the FAA.
c. Once a special airworthiness certificate has been issued, an applicant should submit , at the discretion of the FAA, t he supporting documents listed above for the original certification of subsequent aircraft of the same model . As a general rule, if changes have been made, then the document should be reviewed by the FAA . For instance, an applicant does not have to submi t a nother copy of the safety checklist as long as the system configuration and flight operations have not changed . Regardless, these documents , if applicable, must be available for review during the onsite inspection.
d. For a recurrent certification, s ubmis sion of the supporting documents listed above is at the discretion of the FAA. Based upon identifiable risk, a safety checklist should b e submitted if operational or configuration changes have been made. T hese documents must be available for review durin g the onsite inspection.
Additional Documentation . For original and recurrent certifications, the following items must be inspected prior to or during the onsite inspection : a. Aircraft R egistration. Review the documentation provided by the applicant to d etermine that the registration requirements of part 47 or part 48 have been met. FAA employees can look up part 48 registration information by contacting an FAA Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP) agent or an FAA Operations Center. The regional phone numbers and email addresses can be found in the links on the Law Enforcement website.
b. FAA Form 8130 - 6 . Ensure the form is properly complete d.
c. Program Letter . Each aircraft requires a program letter .
d. Denial L etter . Check with the Aircraft Registration Branch to determine if a n application for airworthiness certification denial letter exist s for the particular aircraft.
e. Maintenance R ecords . If necessary , r eview the maintenance records to determine that a condition inspection and any other required inspections and maintenance have been accomplished. See FAA Order 8900.1 for additional information.
f. Maintenance and I nspection Program . If necessary , v erify the maintenance and inspection program has been reviewed and accepted by the airworthiness ASI. See FAA Order 8900.1 for additional information.
3 - 13 09/08/2017 8130.34D g. Self - C ertifying S tatement of C ompliance with M aintenance P rogram. If necessary , the applicant should provide a written, self - certifying statement that they will comply with the maintenance and inspection program for the particular model designation . See FAA Order 8900.1 for additional information.
h. Airworthiness D irectives (AD). Ensure the applicant has complied with all applicable airworthiness directives . If the experimental aircraft has a type - certificated product or article installed, any applicable A D s for that product or article must be comp lied with for the purpose of “show compliance . ” i. Weight and B alance R eport. Review the weight and balance to verify it reflects the current configuration of the aircraft.
j. Inspection or T echnical D ata. R eview any inspection or technical data need ed to es tablish conformity to type design.
3. Aircraft , Control Station, and Associated Elements Inspection. At the time of certification, the aircraft , control station , data link equipment , and other associated elements must reflect the configuration as stated in the program letter and safety checklist . The applicant should make these items avail able for inspection to determine — a. The ai rcraft mark ing s are in accordance with part 45 or part 48 .
b. I nstruments are properly marked . A ll measurements should be expressed in the English language and converted to standard U.S. units of measure for those instruments necessary for operation i n the U.S. air traffic system.
c. Datalink c onnectivity between the aircraft and the control station . Control link c hecks should also be accomplished with a backup control station, if one exists . If the system configuration permits, t he check the following : (1) The flight controls operate properly.
(2) E ngines, propellers, and associated instru ments operate properly .
(3) Instrumentation , ga u ges , levers, switches, controls, and other elements of the control station function s properly.
d. Major configuration changes have been inspecte d and recorded and are in a condition for safe operation.
e. T he correct software version is being used at the control station. Document the software version on the FAA Form 8100 - 1. It may not be poss ible to determine the software version with some configurations.
3 - 14 09/08/2017 8130.34D 4. Certificate Issuance.
a. Review the operating limitations with the applicant to ensure the requirements and procedures are understood.
b. If the aircraft meets the requirements for the certificatio n requested, the FAA must — (1) Make an entry in the aircraft logbook . The following or a similarly worded statement must be entered: I find this aircraft meets the requirements for the certification requested and have issued a special airworthiness certificat e dated (MM/DD/YYYY). The operation of this aircraft is contingent upon (applicant’s name) compliance with (title of the submitted program letter) , the operating limitations of this airworthiness certificate , and the FAA Form 7711 - 1 .
(ASI signature) Aviat ion Safety Inspector, (Office Code) (2) Issue FAA Form 8130 - 7.
(3) Ensure the applicant has received the FAA Form 7711 - 1.
5. Flight Activity. After the applicant has received the special airworthiness certificate and FAA Form 7711 - 1 , an operations ASI will oversee the flight portion of the onsite inspection , weather permitting . If an operations ASI does not attend the onsite inspection , then the flight demonstration should not be conducted.
6. Post - C ertification.
a. Examine, review, and route the certification file to th e Aircraft Registration Branch according to the instructions contained in FAA Order 8130.2. Do not i nclude a copy of the safety checklist or the FAA Form 7711 - 1 in the certification file. Do not send any documents to the Aircraft Registration Branch that are labeled as proprietary, confidential, company - sensitive, subject to ITAR or EAR , or contain any other label indicating the document is restricted from public or foreign disclosure.
b. If the aircraft does not meet the requirements for the certification r equested, and the airworthiness certificate is denied, the FAA must — (1) Write a letter to the applicant stating the reaso ns for denying the certificate .
(2) Attach a copy of the denial letter to FAA Form 8130 - 6 and forward it to the Aircraft Registration Branch t o be made part of the aircraft record.
3 - 15 09/08/2017 8130.34D Figure 1. Overvi ew of the Airworthiness Certification Process Receive Proposed Flight Area from Applicant ( ch 3, sect 2, para 7 ) Receive Program Letter and S afety Checklist from Applicant (ch 3, sect 1, para 3b or 4b, & ch 3, sect 2, para 5 & 6) Determine Applicant Tasks in Appendix E (UAS Only) ( ch 3, sect 2, para 4) Notify FAA offices (ch 2 , sect 3) Conduct Safety Evaluation (ch 3 , sect 2, para 16 Ap plicant Completes Certification Items (app E & ch 3, sect 4) Create Operating Limitations and Obtain FAA Form 7711 - 1 ( ch 3, sect 2, para 17 & 18) Conduct Onsite Inspection ( ch 3, sect 2, para 20 & ch 3, sect 4) Complete Post - Certification Activities ( ch 3, sect 4 , para 6) 3 - 16
Chapter 4. Administrative Information
09/08/2017 8130.34 D Chapter 4. Administrative Information 1. Distribution . This order is distributed to the Washington Headquarters division and office levels of the Aircraft Certification Service (AIR), Flight Standards Service (AFS), and Air Traffic Organization (ATO); to the branch levels in AIR; to the branch levels in the regional AFS divisions and AIR Directorates; to all Flight Standards District Offices and Internationa l Field Offices; to all Aircraft Certification Offices; to all Certificate Management Offices and all Manufacturing Inspection District/Satellite Offices; and to the Aircraft Certification and Airworthiness Branches of the FAA Academy.
2. Background . In 200 5, the Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety determined that unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) could be given limited access to the National Airspace System (refer to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 21.191 ). The Director of the Aircraft Certification Service, with concurrence from the Director of the Flight Standards Service, stipulated that this process be managed by the office of primary responsibility for 14 CFR 21.195 . If there are any questions regarding this order, please contact a member of the Airworthiness Certification Se ction, AIR - 6C3 , at (202) 267 - 1575 . More information on unmanned aircraft can be found on the FAA website at www.faa.gov/uas .
3. Authority to Change This Order . T he AIR Policy and Innovation Division ( AIR - 600 ) is respo nsible for administrative changes to the material in this order.
4. Forms . Examples of forms referenced in this order are found in FAA Order 8130.2, Airworthiness Certification of Products and Articles .
5. Deviations . Adherence to the procedures in this orde r is necessary for uniform administration of this directive material. All deviations from this guidance material must be coordinated with and approved by AIR - 600 . Some deviations may require initial coordination and approval from other FAA offices, such as AFS or ATO, prior to AIR - 600 approval. If a deviation becomes necessary, the FAA employee involved should ensure the deviations are substantiated, documented, and concurred with by the appropriate supervisor. The deviation must be submitted to AIR - 600 for review and approval. Section 2627 of Title 28 of the United States Code defines the limits of Federal protection for FAA employees.
6. Suggestions for Improvement. Please forward all comments on deficiencies, clarifications, or improvements regarding th is order to: 9 - AWA - AVS - AIR - DMO@faa.gov or complete the form online at https://ksn2.faa.gov/avs/dfs/Pages/Home.aspx . FAA Form 1320 - 19, Directive Feedback Information, is located as Appendix H to this order for your convenience. If you require an immediate interpretation, please contact AIR - 600 at (202) 267 - 1575; however, you should also complete Form 1320 - 19 as a follow - up.
7. Records Management. R efer to FAA Order 0000.1, FAA Stand ard Subject Classification System ; FAA Order 1350.14B, Records Management ; or your office Records Management Officer (RMO) /Directives Management Officer (DMO) for guidance regarding r etention or disposition of records.
4 - 1 09/08/2017 8130.34 D Appendix A Appendix A. Sa mple Operating Limitations for UAS (Name of issuing office) (Issuing office address) Operating Limitations for the (Model Designation) UAS : Experimental Certificate or Special Flight Permit (select one) Aircraft Model Designation : Aircraft Builder: [Insert Model Designa tion] [Insert Builder Name] Aircraft Serial Number: Year Manufactured: [Insert Serial Number] [Insert Year] Aircraft Registration: Engine Model: [Insert Registration Number] [Insert Model Designation] The following operating limitations are applicable to operations in the National Airspace System (NAS): (1) The ( model designation ) unmanned aircraft (UA) , control station (s) , and communication equipment [include if applicable ] comp rise the UAS.
Applicability: All OPR : AFS - 800 Note: Some confi gurations may include additional associated elements to b e included in this limitation such as takeoff and recovery equipment, navigation equipment, and telemetry equipment . The limitation may be modified to describe the proper configuration of the UAS.
( 2) No person may operate this UAS for other than the purpose of research and development (R&D) , showing compliance with regulations, crew training , exhibition, mar ket survey, and/ or production flight testing new production aircraft [select appropriate pur pose ( s ) ] as specified on the f ront of the FAA Form 8130 - 7 , Special Airworthiness Certificate . These operating limitations do not provide any relief from any applicable law or regulation. This aircraft must be ope rated in accordance with the applicable re gulations and the additional limitations prescribed herein. These operating limitations are a part of the FAA Form 8130 - 7 and are to be available to the pilot in command (PIC) of the aircraft.
Applicability: All O PR : AIR - 600 A - 1 09/08/2017 8130.34 D Appendix A ( 3 ) The airworthiness certi ficate, aircraft registration cer tificate, aircraft manuals, and FAA Form 7711 - 1 , Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) , must be located at the control station.
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 800 ( 4 ) Market surveys, sales demonstrations, and custome r crew training cannot be performed until the flight hour requirements of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 21.195(d)(2) have been acco mplished. An entry in the aircraft records is required as evidence of compliance.
Appl icability: Market survey only OPR: AIR - 600 Note: Pursuant to § 21.195 , the applicant may provide justification to the FAA to get the flight hour requirement reduced. Coordinate any flight hour reduction with AUS - 4 2 0 and AFS - 830 . If reduced, include the new flight hour requirement in the operating limitation.
For recurrent certifications, the inspector may remove this limitation wh en the aircraft has achieved the required flight hours and the hours are documented in the aircraft records .
( 5 ) When changing between operating purposes, the operator must determine that the UAS is in a condition for safe operation and appropriate for the operational purpose intended. A record entry will be made in the maintenance records to document the operational purpose change and that the UAS is in a condition for safe operation .
Applicabili ty: All, except production flight testing OPR: AFS - 300 Note: This limitation applies only when two or more § 21.191 operational purposes are listed on the FAA Form 8130 - 7.
( 6 ) T his UAS must be operated in accordance with the applicable air traffic and general operating rules of 14 CFR part 91 , and all additional limitations herein prescrib ed.
Applicability: All OPR : AFS - 800 ( 7 ) N o person may operate this UA S to carry p ersons or property for compensation or hire.
Ap plicability: All OPR : AFS - 800 (8) Each UA must be controlled by only one control station at a time. A control station may not be used to operate multiple UA.
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 800 ( 9 ) UA flight operations must be conducted i n visual meteorological conditions ( VMC ) , day only.
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 800 Note: If night operations are approved , the authorization wi ll be prescribed by selecting operating limitation ( 10 ) and o mitting this limitation.
( 10 ) UA flight operations must be conducted in VMC , day and/or night.
A - 2 09/08/2017 8130.34 D Appendix A Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 800 Note: Reference FAA Order 8900.1 , Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS) , to verify that a safety case for night operation of a UA is necessary . The aircraft must meet the appropriate lighting requirements in § 91.209 .
(1 1 ) UA flight operations must be conducted within visual line of sight of the PIC or visual observer .
Applicability: All OPR: AJV - 115 Note: Flight beyond the visual line of sight of the pilot will require a ground - based visual observer (VO) or an airborne VO on board a dedicated chase aircraft to ensure VO responsibilities listed in the FAA Form 771 1 - 1 are fulfilled during all flight phases. Flight in active restricted or warning area designated for aviation use does not require a VO.
Reference FAA Order 8900.1 to veri fy that a safety case for daisy - chaining visual observers is necessary . Reference FAA Order 89 00.1 for VO responsibilities and chase aircraft operations. This provision is different from 14 C.F.R. part 107, which requires the pilot to always maintain the capability for direct visual line of sight because small UAS operated under part 107 are not required to be certificated.
(1 2 ) Flight over a densely populated area or in a congested airway is prohibited.
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 800 Note: When avoiding populated areas, aircraft speed and weight must be considered. The information in FAA Order 8900.1 regarding show - line distances from spectator are a s for aviation events may assist in determining a suitable space to fly the aircraft.
(1 3 ) All flight operations must rema in within the lateral and vertical boundaries of the designated flight area as pr ovided in the FAA Form 7711 - 1.
Applicability: All OPR: AJV - 115 Note: If the FAA Form 7711 - 1 does not include a chart of the flight test and/or operating area, include the chart wi th this limitation and modify this limitation to in clude a brief description of the flight area and the authorized altitude limits. If necessary, identify a separate area for the flight test that complies with § 91.305 .
( 1 4 ) UA ex hibition operation s require an aviation event/ airshow waiver.
Applicability: Exhibition only OPR: AJV - 115 Note: Airshow and aviation event operations are restricted to airports or locations that are within airspace class C, D, E, or G, unless otherwise authorized under an aviation event/air show waiver.
(1 5 ) UA operations in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) - designated airspace may be allowed pursuant to § 91.180(b) for aircraft certification and development purposes.
Applicability: R&D and showing compliance only OPR: AFS - 800 A - 3 09/08/2017 8130.34 D Appendix A Note: Refer to part 91 and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) for information on RVSM operations and requirements . This limitation is only for RVSM certification purposes. If the fli ght test airspace in the program letter or in the FAA Form 7711 - 1 does not include RVSM airspace , then this limitation should be replaced by limitation (17).
( 1 6 ) UA operation in RVSM - designated airspace may be allowed pursuant to § 91.180(b) for climbing/descending through RVSM flight levels without intermediate level - off to or from flight levels above RVSM airspace.
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 800 Note: Refer to part 91 and the AIM for information on RVSM operations and requirements .
This limitation is only for UA capable of non - stop climb to flight level ( FL ) 430. If the operating airspace in the program letter or in the FAA Form 7711 - 1 does not include RVSM airspace, this limitation should be replaced by limitation (17) .
( 1 7 ) UA flight in RVSM - desi gnated airspace is prohibited.
App licability: All OPR: AFS - 800 Note: This limitation is for UA capable of flight above FL280. Include this limitation if the applicant does not request to operate in RVSM airspace or if the FAA Form 7711 - 1 does not include RVSM airspace. If the UA is not capab le of flight near or above FL280, then omit this limitation.
(1 8 ) Following satisfactory completion of initial flight testing , the operations manager or chief pilot must certify in the aircraft records that the UA has been shown to comply with § 91.319(b) with the following, or a similarly worded, statement: I certify that the prescribed flight test has been completed and the aircraft is controllable throughout its normal range of speeds and throughout all maneuvers to be executed, has no hazardous operating characteristics or design features, and is safe for operation. The following aircraft operating data has been demonstrated during the flight testing: speeds Vx ______, and Vy ______, and the weight ______ and CG location _____ _ at which they were obtained.
Applicability: All, except production flight testing OPR: AFS - 800 Note: T his limitation is not applicable to UAS in the Group I category in appendix E to this ord er . For UAS without an airspeed indicator or airspeed display, the last sentence should be omitted from the operating limitation since there is no means to determine Vx and Vy .
Following the successful completion of initial flight testing, this limitatio n may be omitted for recurrent certifications.
( 19 ) The UA is prohibited from aerobatic flight, that is, an intentional maneuver involving an abrupt change in the UA’s a t titude , an abnormal acceleration, or other flight action not necessary for normal fli ght .
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 800 A - 4 09/08/2017 8130.34 D Appendix A Note: If aerobatic flight is anticipated, the maneuvers, configuration of external stores, initial aerobatic test flight, and subsequent performance locations must be thoroughly discussed during the safety evaluation. If a pproved, these items must b e appropriately described in this operating limitation or in the FAA Form 7711 - 1.
( 20 ) The UA is prohibited from formation flight as a wingman , that is, flight by reference to another aircraft.
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 800 (2 1 ) This UA must not be used for towing, including, but not limited to , gliders, banners, targets, or electr onic receivers or transmitters.
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 800 (2 2 ) UA f light operations may not involve carrying hazardous material , as defin ed in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations ( 49 CFR ) 171.8 , or the dropping of any objects or external stores.
Applicabili ty: All OPR: AFS - 800 Note: Carrying hazardous materials or dropping objects or external stores is prohibited unless all operational risks have been sufficiently mitigated as required by § 91.15 , and the hazmat requirements in 49 CFR have been met, if hazmat will be carried. The operator/applicant must provide to the FAA accept able procedures for hung stores and loss of control link while carrying stores. A similar case must be made for hazmat carried aboard the aircraft and, if approved, will be listed in the special provision section of the COA, or in the operating limitation s .
( 23 ) No weapons may be added to the UA.
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 800 (24 ) T h i s UA i s p ro h i b it ed f ro m f li gh t w it h a n y e x te r n a ll y m oun t ed e qu i p m e n t that is not properly mounted and secured in a manner that will prevent in - flight detachment. T h e a i r c raft m u st b e c o n f i g u r e d as d o c um e n t ed i n t he a i rcraf t’ s f l i gh t t est rec or d s o r as a llo wed i n t h e o r i g i n al m an u fac tu re r ’s a i rcraft data . If re lyin g o n t h e m a n u f a c t u re r ’s d a t a, t h e a i r c raft m u s t c o nf o rm t o t h e m a nu fac t u r e r’s d es i g n a n d b e m a i n t a i n ed with existing manufacturer’s maintenance and inspection instructions.
Applicability: Exhibition only OPR: AFS - 300 Note: This limitation is only for other than former military aircraft.
( 25 ) This UA is prohibited from flight with any externally mounted equipment u nless the equipment is mounted in a manner that will prevent in - flight jettison or detachment . Installation of external stores (pylon and equipment) or external fuel tanks not approved by the manufacturer or the original military operator is prohibited. No change in external loading for the aircraft (for example, a change in pylon, rack, or external store) from configurations approved by the manufacturer or original military operator is allowed, except to prevent jettison or detachment .
Applicability: Cr ew training and exhibition only A - 5 09/08/2017 8130.34 D Appendix A OPR: AFS - 300 Note: This limitation is only for former military aircraft.
( 2 6 ) Any incident or accident, or any flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries of a flight test area , restricted airspace , or other operational boundary, must be reported to the UAS Safety and Integration Division ( AUS - 400 ) within 24 hours , and to the Emerging Technologies Team (AJV - 115) . AUS - 400 can be reached by phone at ( 202 ) 267 - 8272 or by fax at ( 202 ) 267 - 8249. AJV - 115 can be notified via email at 9 - AJV - 115 - UASOrganization@faa.gov . If this is an emergency, contact the local law enforcement, an FAA Regional Operations Center (ROC), or the Washington Operations Center (WOC). Accidents and incidents must be reported to the Na tional Transportation Safety Bo a r d (NTSB) per instructions contained on the NTSB web site . Further flight operations must not be conducted unt il the incident or accident is revi ewed by AUS - 4 2 0 and AFS - 830 . AFS - 830 will provide the authorization to resume operations.
Table A - 1. FAA Regional Operations Centers Location Where Accident Occurred: Telephone: DC DE MD NJ NY PA VA WV 404 - 305 - 5150 AL CT FL GA KY MA ME MS NC NH PR RI SC TN VI VT 404 - 305 - 5156 AK AS AZ CA CO GU HI ID MP MT NV OR UT WA WY 425 - 227 - 1999 AR IA IL IN KS LA MI MN MO ND NE NM OH OK SD TX WI 817 - 222 - 5006 Washington Operations Center (WOC) 202 - 267 - 3333 Applicability: All O PR: AFS - 800 Note: This limitation may be modified to include o nly th e ROC telephone numbers for the flight area location( s ). Include the WOC telephone number for all locations.
(2 7 ) Visual observers (VO) must assist the PIC in not allowing the UA to operate b eyond the visual line of sight limit. VOs must be able to see the aircraft and the surrounding airspace sufficiently to assist the PIC with determining the UA’s proximity to all aviation activities and other hazards, and prevent the UA from creating a col lision hazard. The VO must assist the PIC with exercising effective control of the UA and with complying with §§ 91.111 and 91.113 . The VO must also inform the PIC before losing sufficient visual contact with the UA or a previously sighted col lision hazard.
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 800 ( 2 8 ) All crew positions must main tain two - way communications with each other during all operations. If unable to maintain two - way communication, the PIC will expeditiously return the UA to its base of operations while remaining within the flight area and conclude the flight operation.
Ap plicability: All OPR : AFS - 800 ( 29 ) In the event of a transponder failure on the UA , the UA must conclude all flight operations and expeditiously return to its base of operations . If a chase aircraft is used and A - 6 09/08/2017 8130.34 D Appendix A equipped with a n operable transponder, th e mission may continue with proper coordination with air traffic control (ATC) .
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 800 Note: This limitation is only required for programs where the UA has an operable transponder and a chase aircraft is required due to planned flight beyond the visual line of sight of the ground - based PIC or VO . If this limitation conflicts with, or is a duplicate of an FAA Form 7711 - 1 requirement , then omit this limitation. If the flight operation is solely within airspace in which a transponder is not required, then omit this limitation.
(3 0 ) When filing a flight plan, the experimental nature of this UA must be listed in the remarks section. The pilot will notify the control tower of the experimental nature of the UA when operating the UA into or out of airports with operating control towers.
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 800 Note: This limitation is only required for programs where a flight plan is required and transitions are permitted at airfields with a control tower . Reference t he FAA Form 7711 - 1 t o verify these requirements . Due to equipment and operational constraints of some UAS, this limitation will not always be required.
( 3 1 ) This UA must be marked with its U.S. nationality and registration marks pursuant to 14 CFR part 45 .
Applicability : All OPR: AIR - 600 Note: This limitation is not applicable to small unmanned aircraft registered with the FAA’s online web - based pro cess and marked with a unique identifier as described in 14 C FR part 48 . This limitation is applicable to all aircraft, including small unmanned aircraft, that are registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47 .
(3 2 ) This UA must be marked with its unique identifier as described in 14 CFR part 48 .
Applicability : All OPR: AIR - 600 Note: This limitation is only applicable to small unmanned aircraft registered with the FAA’s online web - based process and marked with the unique identification number as described in part 48 .
(3 3 ) This UA must display the word EXPERIMENTAL pursuant to § 45 .23 or an alternative marking approval issued pursuant to § 45.22(d) by the FAA’s Policy and Innovation Division ( AIR - 600 ).
Applicability : All, e xcept production fl ight testing OPR: AIR - 600 Note: This limitation is not applicable to small unmanned aircraft registered with the FAA’s online web - based process and marked with a unique identification number as described in part 48 . This limitation is applicable to all experimental UA , including small unmanned aircraft, that are registered in accordance with part 47 .
A - 7 09/08/2017 8130.34 D Appendix A (3 4 ) The UAS must not be operated unless it is inspected and maintained in accordance with the (title) maintenance and ins pection program (rev #) (date) or later revision . Maintenance and i nspection records must be established and maintained. Maintenance record entries must include a descr iption of the work performed, the date of completion for the work, the UAS’s total time - in - service, and the name and signature of the person performing the work. Inspection entries must contain t he following, or a similarly worded, statement: I certify that this UAS was inspected on (date), in accordance with the scope and detail of the maintenance and inspection program , and was determined to be in a condition for safe operation .
Applicability: Market survey and previously qualified 14 CFR part 43 aircraft OPR: AFS - 300 (3 5 ) No person may operate this UAS unless it has had a condition inspection performed within the preceding 12 calendar months in accordance with the current maintenance and insp ection program . This inspection will be recorded in the UAS maintenance records.
Applicability: Market survey and previously qualified part 43 aircraft OPR: AFS - 300 Note: This limitation is not applicable to small unmanned aircraft .
(3 6 ) The UAS manufac turer and their representatives may perform the maintenance and inspections required by these operating limitations. Representatives of a manufacturer must have written authorization from the manufacturer. The use of FAA certifi cated maintenance providers is encouraged , which may include repair stations, holders of mechanic and repairman certificates, and other persons working under the supervision of these mechanics and repairman.
A n FAA certificated maintenance provider performing maintenance and/or inspect ion on UAS that are not applicable to 14 CFR part 43 requirements, § 43.1(b)(1) , does not constitute at this time the exercising of certificate holder privileges.
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 300 ( 3 7 ) If any aircraft, engine, o r propeller operating limit s are exceeded during ground or inflight operations , the exceeded operating limit will be addressed to ensure the aircraft is in a continued condition for safe operation. A n appropriate maintenance entry will be made in the aircraft records describing the maintenance and/or inspection actions taken to address the exceeded operating limit and that the aircraft is determined to be in a condition for safe operation, prior to further flight .
Applicability: Market survey and previously qualified part 43 aircraft OPR: AFS - 300 ( 3 8 ) The aircraft may not be operated unless the owner complies with the replacement of life - limited articles spe cified in the applicable maintenance and inspection program and / or technical publications.
Applicability: Market survey and previously qualified part 43 aircraft OPR: AFS - 300 Note: This limitation is only applicable to type certificated aircraft or aircraft ha ving an FAA approved airworthiness limitation section in its instructions for continued airworthiness.
A - 8 09/08/2017 8130.34 D Appendix A ( 39 ) Minor configuration changes to the UAS are those that have no appreciable effect on the weight, balance, structural strength, reliability, operatio nal characteristics, or other characteristics affecting the condition for safe operation of the UAS. Changes that do not meet the definition of a minor change are classified as “major changes.” For UAS Risk Index Group I UAS, the owner or operator must p rovide major configuration chan ge documentation to the geographically responsible Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) . For UAS Risk Index Group II and III UAS, major configuration changes require the owner or operator to update the safety checklist an d provide it to the geographically re sponsible FSDO . A written response must be received from the FSDO indicating FAA concurrence before flying this aircraft after incorporation of a major configuration change , whether the aircraft is operating under a sp ecial airworthiness certificate, public aircraft COA, or other authorization .
Applicability: All, except for R&D and showing compliance OPR: AFS - 300 Note: Notify the applicant which UAS Risk Index Group (I, II, or III) is applicable. This operating limitation may be modified to only include the applicable Group.
(4 0 ) Crew training , market survey , sales demonstrations, customer crew training , or exhibition ( select, as applicable) operations cannot be perf ormed immediately following software and major configura tion changes . The aircraft must first be flight tested. Following the fligh t test , the operations manager , chief pilot , or other person acceptable to the Administrator must make the following, or a similarly worded, statement in the aircraft records : I c ertify the prescribed flight test ha s bee n completed and the aircraft is c ontrollable throughout its normal range of speeds and throughout all maneuvers to be executed, has no hazardous operating characteristics or design features, and is safe for operatio n.
Applicability: Crew t raining, m arket s urvey, and e xhibition OPR: AFS - 800 (4 1 ) Application to amend these operating limitations must be made to the geographically responsible FSDO or Manufacturing Inspection District Office (MIDO) .
Applicability: All OPR : AFS - 300 (4 2 ) When an aircraft’s home base is changed or there is a transfer of owne rship, the owner will submit a new program letter to the geographically responsible FSDO within 30 days .
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 300 (4 3 ) The owner must submi t an annual program letter to the geographically responsible FS DO where the aircraft is based.
Applicability: Exhibition only OPR: AFS - 300 ( 4 4 ) This special airworthiness certif icate is not in effect during public aircraft operations (PAO) . Concurrent public/civil operations are not permitted. The FAA makes the distinction between the authorized flights for the purposes described in the program letter and PAO. Before operating this aircraft under this special airworthiness certificate following a PAO, the aircraft must be returned , via an approved method , to the condition and configuration appropriate for civil operations . The aircraft records and entries must clearly differentiate between a civil flight , A - 9 09/08/2017 8130.34 D Appendix A pursuant to this certificate , and any other fl ights. When PAO are concluded, an entry will be made in the aircraft records to document that the aircraft has been returned to the civil aircraft configuration and is in a condition for safe operation .
Applicability: All OPR : AFS - 800 (4 5 ) This special airworthiness certificate is not in effect during operations conducted under 14 CFR part 107 and model aircraft operations conduct ed under 14 CFR part 101 . Before operating this aircraft under this special airworthiness certificate following a part 107 operation or a part 101 model aircraft operation, the aircraft m ust be returned, via an approved method, to the condition and configuration appropriate for operations under the special airworthiness certificate. The aircraft records and record entries must clearly differentiate between any flights for which this certi ficate was required and any other flights. When part 107 operations or part 101 model aircraft operations are concluded, an entry will be made in the aircraft records to document that the aircraft has been returned to the aircraft configuration appropriate for operations in accordance w ith this special airworthiness certificate and is in a condition for safe operation.
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 800 ( 4 6 ) 14 CFR 47.45 requires that the FAA Aircraft Registry be notified within 30 days of any change in the aircraft registrant’s address. Such notification is to be made by submitting Aeronautical Center Form 8050 - 1, Aircraft Registration Application, to the FAA Air craft Registration Branch (AFS - 7 50) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 750 Note: This limitation is only for UA registered under part 47 .
(4 7 ) 14 CFR 48.105 requires that the web - based small unmanned aircraft registration system be updated within 14 days of any change in the aircraft registrant’s physical address, mailing address, or email address, and any change to the aircraft manufacturer, model, or serial number .
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 750 Note: This li mitation is only applicable to s mall unmanned aircraft registered with the FAA ’s online web - based process as described in part 48 .
( 4 8 ) Immediately after the certificate is issued, the applicant must forward a copy of the program letter, special airworthiness certificate, operating limitations, and FAA Form 7711 - 1 to the attention of: FAA Headquarters, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Tactical Operation Section , at the email address 9 - AJR - 36 - UAS@faa.gov , or via fax at ( 20 2 ) 267 - 8249.
Applicability: All OPR: AJV - 115 /s/ ( Name ) Date: Aviation Safety Inspector ( Name of Issuing Office ) A - 10 09/08/2017 8130.34 D Appendix B Appendix B. Sample Operating Limitations for OPA and OPA/UAS 1. Applicability. For OPA and OPA/UAS , t he following limitations will be issued , as requir ed, to supplement operating limitations issued under a n experimental c ertificate or special flight permit, as applicable, as described in FAA Order 8130.2 , Airworthiness Certification of Products and Articles .
2. Opting O ut of the S afety E valuation . Civil a ircraft operators who choose not to undergo a safety evaluation for their OPA - designed, or OPA/UAS - designed aircraft must remove a ny onboard equipment that enables a pilot at a remote control station to control the aircraft . The aircraft cannot be certifi cated or operated as an OPA or OPA/UAS .
3. The OPA System. “T he OPA system” is a term used in the operating limitations below that refer s to the onboard and off - board equipment that enables the aircraft to be flown or controlled from a location not onboard the aircraft.
The following are a dditional o perating l imitations for OPA and OPA/UAS: (1) When the aircraft is flown in an OPA configuration, t he pilot in command (PIC) is always onboard and must have the ability , using normal control input forces, to imm ediately override any installed system that can be oper ated remotely or by automation.
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 800 (2) Flights with the OPA system engaged must not be conducted outside the authorized geographical area(s) .
Applicability: All OPR: A FS - 800 (3) The OPA system may only be engaged or used while the aircraft is at or above (altitud e ) feet above ground level (AGL). The system must be turned off or otherwise rendered inoperative below (altitude) feet AGL.
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 800 Note: The applicant should propose the a ltitude limits for this limitation and provide justification during the safety evaluation. After completion of successful flight testing above the altitude restriction, the operator may provide the FAA with a flight test plan to lower the altitude restriction . Lower altitudes may be incrementally approved to include automatic takeoff and /or landing operations. If a utomatic takeoff and /or landing operations were not discussed during the original safety evaluation , a supp lemental safety evaluation will be held.
If approved, this limitation will be rewritten to permit the OPA system to be engaged during automatic t akeoff and/or landing operations.
(4) The OPA system may be engaged to permit remote pilot operations during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) with minimum flight visibility no less than 3 statute miles (SM) below 10,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) and 5 SM at or above 10,000 feet MSL. The OPA system is not authorized for use under s pecial v isual flight rules (S VFR ) .
B - 1 09/08/2017 8130.34 D Appendix B Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 800 Note: If night operations are approved, the authorization will be prescribed by selecting operating limitation (5) a nd omitting this limitation.
(5) The OPA system may be engaged to permit remote pilo t operations during daylight hours or at night in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) with minimum flight visibility no less than 3 statute miles (SM) below 10,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) and 5 SM at or above 10,000 feet MSL. The OPA system is not au thorized for use under speci al visual flight rules (SVFR).
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 800 Note: This limitation may be applicable if the applicant requested that the OPA system be engaged during night operations in the program letter and safety checklist. A limitation authorizing night operations per FAA Order 8130.2 must also be included in the operating limitations . For the OPA system to be approved for night operations , all switches or mechanisms onboard the aircraft used to disable or disconnect the OPA system must be illuminated unless they are located on a throttle, yoke , control column, control wheel , control stick , cyclic stick, or collective lever .
( 6 ) The OPA system may be engaged to permit remote pilot operations during instrument meteorological c onditions (IMC) .
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 800 Note: A limitation authorizing IMC operations per FAA Order 8130.2 must also be included in the operating limitations . If IMC operations are not au thorized, omit this limitation.
(7 ) All software changes and m ajo r modifications, as defined by 14 CFR 21.93 , performed under th is certificate, public aircraft certificate of waiver or authorization ( COA ) , or other au thorizations that could potentially affect the safe operation of the OPA must be documented and provided to the geographic Flight Standards District Office ( FSDO ) before operating under this certificate. All software changes and major modifications must b e flight tested in accordance with a flight test plan before conducting crew training, market su rveys, sales demonstrations, customer crew training, and exhibition flights . The successful completion of the flight tests must be recorded in the aircraft rec ords . All requested information must be provided to the geographic FSDO prior to any flights after major modifications or software changes.
Applicability: All, except for R&D and showing compliance OPR: AFS - 300 (8 ) When converting the aircraft between OPA and UAS configurations, the person making the conversion must make a maintenance record entry. After each conversion, the aircraft must be inspected to determine it is in a condition for safe operation. This condition for safe operation determination must also be documented in the aircraft maintenance records.
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 300 Note: This limitation only applies to OPA/UAS.
B - 2 09/08/2017 8130.34 D Appendix B ( 9 ) The aircraft manufacturer and its representatives may perform the maintenance and inspections required by these op erating limitations. Representatives of a manufacturer must have written authorization from the manufacturer. For continued airworthiness of OPA or OPA/UAS not requiring part 43 compliance, t he use of FAA certifi cat ed maintenance providers is encouraged , which may include repair stations, holders of mechanic and repairman certificates, and other persons working under the supervision of these mechanics and repairman. A n FAA certificated maintenance provider performing maintenance and/or inspection on airc raft that are not subject to 14 CFR part 43 requirements, per § 43.1(b)(1) , is not considered to be exercising certificate holder p rivileges.
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 300 Note: T his limitation takes precedence and replaces any similar limitation specified in FAA Order 8130.2 .
(10 ) The aircraft must be operated by only one remote control station at a time. A control station may not b e used to operate multiple OPA.
Applicability: All OPR: AFS - 800 B - 3 09/08/2017 8130.34D Appendix C Appendix C. Program Letter for the (Model Designation) Unmanned Aircraft System , Optionally Piloted Aircraft , or OPA/UAS (select one) Experimental Certificate or Special Flight Permit (select one) Regi stered Owner Name: Aircraft Builder: [Enter Owner Name] [Enter Builder Name] Registered Owner Address: Aircr aft Serial Number: [Enter Owner Address] [Enter Serial Number] Aircraft Description: Aircraft Model Designation: [Enter Description ] [Enter Model Designation] Aircraft Registration: Engine Model: [Enter Registration Number] [Enter Model Designation] Year Manufactured: Propeller Model: (if applicable) [Enter Year] [Enter Model Designation] Note: The program letter must not contain information that is propr ietary, confidential, company - sensitive, subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations ( 22 CFR subchapter M ) , Export Administration Regulations ( 15 CFR part 734 ) , or otherwise restricted from public or foreign disclosure.
1. The Intended Operation and How I t Meets the Desired Purpose . T he applicant must iden tify the purposes for which they are seeking an experimental certificate or special flight permit (select one) and provide sufficient detai l for the FAA to understand the scope of operations. For multiple purpose use, describe any configuration changes th at will occur between each purpose, such as adding external stores or disabling systems.
a. Research and Development (R&D) (if applicable) . Describe each project in sufficient detail to demonstrate it meets the regulatory requirements of 14 CFR 21.191(a) . Provide the estimated time or number of flights required for the experiment.
b. Showing Compliance w ith Regulations (if applicable) . Identify the airworthine ss regulations with which the flight tests will show compliance to meet the regulatory requirements of § 21.191( b ) .
c. Crew Training (if applicable). Descr ibe the training of the applicant’s flight crews to show that it meets the regulatory requirements of § 21.191(c) . Provide the estimated number of pilots to be trained and the flight hours needed to tr ain each pilot . Identify any airports or off - airport locations , other than the home field , where the training will be conducted.
C - 1 09/08/2017 8130.34D Appendix C d. Market Survey (if applicable). Describe each market survey in sufficient deta il to demonstrate it meets the regulatory requirements of § 21.191(f) . Identify intended customers and any known dates for market survey activity.
e. Exhibi tion ( if applicable). Provide a list of the event names and dates at which the aircraft will be exhibited to demonstrate it meets the regulatory requirements of § 21.191(d) . If flight to an event is planned , provide the proposed routes of flight to and from the events and the cruise altitude . Flight to or from an event will likely require a chase aircraft. For proficiency and/or maintenance flights, in clude the estimated number of flight hours the aircraft will be operated. Include the name of the person responsible for the operation and maintenance of the aircraft.
f. Production Flight Testing u nder a Special Flight Permit (if applicable) . Provide the i nformation required by § 21.199 . Describe — (1) The proposed itinerary; (2) The crew required to operate the air craft and associated equipment; (3) The ways, if any , in which the aircraft does not comply with the applica ble airworthiness requirements; (4) Any restriction the applicant considers necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft and associated equipment; and (5) Any other information considered necessary by the F AA for prescribing operating limitations.
2. Description of P ast F light H istory. Provide a brief summary of the aircraft’s past flight history .
3. Definition of Flight Areas. Insert aeronautical chart s or aerial photograph s of the flight area in which the ex perimental flights or production flight testing (select one) will be conducted .
Identify a flight test area that is over open water or sparsely populated and has light air traffic , pursuant to 14 CFR 91.305 . I nclud e the following: a. A ddress of the home field or the location of the launch and recovery operation s .
b. L atitude and longitude of the proposed flight area s in degrees:minutes:seconds format . I f the perimeter o f the proposed flight area is in the shape of a rectangle, the latitude and longitude of the corners must be stated. If the proposed flight area is in the shape of a circle, provide the latitude and longitude of the center point and the radius.
c. Proposed c eiling and floor altitude in mean sea level (MSL) for each flight area.
d. Proposed f light rules (for example, visual flight rules ( VFR ) ).
e. Fo r OPA, will the OPA system be engaged during night operations? Are the disconnect switches for the OPA system illumin ated?
f. Whether the aircraft will perform any aerobatic maneuvers as defined by § 91.303 .
C - 2 09/08/2017 8130.34D Appendix C 4. Aircraft and Support Equipment Configuration . Provide the following: a. T hree - view drawings or three - view dimensioned photographs of the aircraft , except for aircraft converted from a previously certificated type without appreciable change to the external configuration.
b. Provide the model name, a description , and a diagram or pictur e of the control station and, if used, the back - up control station .
c. Identify and d escri be required ground support equipment ( for example, power carts, air carts, towing equipment , or launch and recovery equipment ) .
5. Safety and Risk Mitigation . Provide sys tem information on the safety features of the aircraft to include lost link or flight termination capabilities. Describe how lost link or flight termination procedures will be used operationally for the planned flights. Describe any risk mitigation strat egies that will be used in operational procedures. Information must be sufficient in detail to allow the FAA to determine appropriate operating limitations.
6. Certification Category . Provide responses to the following: a. What is the aircraft’s maximum takeo ff weight?
b. What is the aircraft’s maximum speed?
c. What is the aircraft’s proposed maximum operating altitude?
d. Is this the first flight of the aircraft? If no, how many flight hours has it logged?
e. Are you requesting night operations?
f. Are you requesting oper ations in instrument meteorological conditions ( IMC ) ?
g. Are flights beyond the visual line of sight of the ground - based pilot or visual observer planned?
h. What is the distance between the operating area and a towered airport?
C - 3 09/08/2017 8130.34D Appendix D Appendix D. Safety Checklist 1. Introduction . The safety checklist is designed to help the FAA evaluate those hazards that are unique to UA S , OPA , or OPA/UAS in support of issuing a special airworthiness certificate.
Some safety items only require brief responses and others may not be applicable to a specific program. Additional information and supporting documentation may be required during the evaluation process.
Note: The applicant must identify all responses that contain information deemed proprietary, confidential, company - sensitive, subject to Inter national Traffic in Arms Regulations ( 22 CFR subchapter M ) , Export Administration Regulations ( 15 CFR part 734 ) , or subject to any other classification that would restrict or prevent the information from public or foreign disclosure.
2. Aircraft S egment .
a. Airframe .
(1) Describe in detail the physical configuration an d characteristics of the aircraft , including size and weight . Include diagrams and schematics, as necessary.
(2) Describe the various materials and where they are used in the construction of the aircraft . Include details of the fabrication and construct ion processes and procedures.
(3) Describe the process used to determine that the airframe structure can withstand expected flight loads throughout the flight envelope. Include any test data or stress analysis that demonstrates positive structural margin s of safety during flight.
(4) Describe any unique sub - systems or design characteristics such as a hydraulic system, environmental control system, parachute, or brakes.
b. A ircraft Performance Characteristics . Identify the following items: (1) Maximum alti tude , (2) Maximum endurance , ( 3 ) Cruise airspeed , (4) Maximum airspeed , ( 5) A ny performance limitations due to environmental and meteorological conditions such as wind speed or min/max temperature limitations , and (6) If the aircraft is designed for o perations in icing conditions, any icing detection or icing protection capability.
c. Propulsion System.
(1) Describe in detail the propulsion system design and performance.
(2) For f uel - powered propulsion systems , describe the type of fuel and the maximum fuel capacity.
D - 1 09/08/2017 8130.34D Appendix D (3) Describe h ow the propulsion system performance is monitored, including any status indicators and warning messages provided to the pilot.
(4) Describe the most critical propulsion - related failure modes and their impact on system operati on.
d. Fuel System (if applicable) . Describe the fuel storage and distribution system and how it allows for adequate control of the fuel delivery to the engine, and provides for aircrew de termination of fuel remaining.
e. Electrical System.
(1) Describe the el ectrical system and how it distributes adequate power to meet the requirements of the receiving sys tems. Provide a system - level diagram showing electrical power distrib ution throughout the aircraft.
( 2 ) If a life - limited power source such as batteries is used, describe what the useful life of the power source is during normal and emergency conditions and how it was determined.
( 3 ) Describe h ow electrical power status and power remaining information is displayed to the pilot .
( 4 ) Describe the sources of backup power in t he event of loss of the primary power source , including what systems are powered during backup power operations.
( a ) Describe any automatic or manual load shedding capabilities.
( b ) Identify h ow much operational time the backup power sou rce provide s. Include the assumptions used to make this determination.
f. Flight Control Surfaces and Actuators. Describe the des ign and operation of the flight control surfaces and servos/actuators. Include a diagram showing the location of the control su rfaces and servos/actuators.
g. Payloads. Describe the payload equipment that is installed or is planned to be installed on the aircraft. Describe all payload configurations that significantly change weight and balance, electrical loads, or flight dynamics.
3. Command and Control Segment.
a. Avionics. Describe in detail the avionics system and p rovide an overall system diagram of the avionics architecture. Include the location of all air data sensors, antennas, radios, and navigation equipment.
b. Navigation. Desc ribe in detail the navigation system, system backups, and how the system identifies and responds to a loss of the navigation capability.
c. Flight Control and Autopilot System Describe in detail the flight control system, including how the flight control comp uter and the autopilot system operates. Indicate whether the systems are unique designs or commercial off - the - shelf (COTS) products.
D - 2 09/08/2017 8130.34D Appendix D d. Command and Control Datalink.
( 1 ) Describe the design and performance of the command and control link connecting the UA a nd the control station. Identify any redundant and/or independent control links , if applicable.
( 2 ) Describe the radio frequency (RF) spectrum used for the command and control link .
( 3 ) Describe how the radio signal strength , signal error rate, or simil ar information is computed and display ed to the pilot. Identify the threshold values that represent a critically degraded signal .
e. Lost Link and Flight Recovery.
(1) Describe the procedures that the UAS follows in the event of a lost - link. Include a desc ription of event timing, such as a lost - link timer and what information is displayed to the pilot during takeoff , cruise, and landing during the lost - link procedure .
(2) Describe the flight recovery capability of the UA , including what single or combinati on of events initiates the flight recovery system and what the aircraft is programmed to do during the flight recovery procedure.
f. Control Station.
(1) Describe in detail the control station design. Provide a diagram of the control station layout if possi ble . Include screen captures of the most important control station displays.
(2) Describe any caution, warning, and advisory alarms that the system provide s to the pilot (for example, low fuel or battery, failure of critical systems, or departure from an operational boundary) .
4. Ground Support Equipment . Describe any critical support equipment that is used on the ground (for example, launch or recovery systems, ground data terminals, and external power generators) .
5. Software Development Process . Describe the software development process and identify what software functions were developed by the applicant or the applicant’s suppliers, and what functions are implemented by COTS software.
6. Operations.
a. National Airspace System (NAS) I ntegration and I nteraction .
(1) Surveillance and a ircraft v isibility.
( a) Is the aircraft equipped with technical standard order ( TSO ) approved Mode - C or Mode - S transponder? If yes, under what TSO and Class of equipment was the transponder approved?
(b) Is the aircraft equipped with a non - TSO Mode - C or Mode - S transponder? If yes, describe the method used to determine that the transponder meets the performance and environment requirements of any class of TSO - C74d (Mode C) or TSO - C112 (Mode S).
Highlight any TSO deviations or no n - TSO functions.
D - 3 09/08/2017 8130.34D Appendix D ( c ) What functions and/or settings of the transponder can be changed by the pilot?
(d ) Describe the transponder test procedures ( r efer to 14 CFR 91.413 ) .
(e ) Does the aircraft have a high - visibility paint scheme that enables other pilots to see and avoid the aircraft and enables the observer to visually acquire and track the aircraft ?
(f ) What characteristics of the aircraft shape or structure increase its ability to be seen and tracked?
(g ) Does the aircraft have anti - collision lights? Does the aircraft have position lights? What are the procedures if the lights are inoperative?
(h) For OPA, does the cockpit have instrument and cockpit lighting?
(2) Air t raffic c ontrol (ATC) and crewmember communications.
(a) How does the pilot communicate with ATC?
(b) How does the pilot communicate with other users of the airspace?
(c) Describe the communications equipm ent (radios) , including any equipment on the aircraft.
(d) Is there an intercommunication system that allows for communication between the pilots, ground support personnel, crewmembers, and observers?
(e) What procedures have been established in the even t of intercom failure?
(3) Sense and avoid.
(a) Describe the methods in place for sense and avoid, and if applicable, identify the members of the flightcrew that hold this responsibility.
(b) What are the minimum traffic detection capabilities in azimut h and elevation?
(c) Describe the procedures that will be implemented should another user of the NAS enter the operating area.
(4) Chase aircraft operations.
(a) Describe the roles and responsibilities of the chase aircraft crew.
Note: Chase aircraft p ilots must not concurrently perform either observer or UA pilot duties while operating the chase aircraft.
1 Pilot .
2 Observers .
(b) Describe any special training that the chase aircraft crew will receive.
b. Flight P hases.
(1) Preflight/taxi operations.
(a) Describe the entire flight planning process, includ ing how weather briefings and updates are obtained.
D - 4 09/08/2017 8130.34D Appendix D (b) Describe coordination procedures with ATC before takeoff by addressing the following at a minimum: 1 Notices to Airmen ( NOTAM ) .
2 Filing the f light p lan .
3 Transponder c odes .
(c) Describe preflight activities and the system and support equipment required by addressing the following at a minimum: 1 The process by which the system is prepared for flight.
2 The systems required to prepare the system for flight.
3 What critical process points are established, such as system configuration files needed to establish flight controls calibration?
( d ) Describe how mapping updates are performed on the control station .
( e ) Describe the flightline/ope rations safety program, if any.
(f) How do you ensure the area is clear for taxi?
(g) Describe the procedures to ensure the engine isn’t started in a manner that could cause injury to ground personnel .
(2) Takeoff/launch. Provide a description of syste m equipment required for this operation. Identify unique system performance and procedures.
(3) Flight.
(a) Identify the components of the system, including support equipment that is required for the UA to conduct safe flight operations. Information pr esented in response to this item sh all address the following at a minimum : 1 The process by which the system is operated during flight .
2 The systems required to operate the system during flight .
3 Critical process points that are established.
(b) Desc ribe the method for switching between pilot - controlled (manual) and automated (autopilot) flight modes. At what points duri ng the flight will this happen?
(c) Describe the indi cation the pilot will have that he/she is in control of the aircraft .
(d) For OPA, describe how the remote control equipment will be engaged and disengaged during ground and flight operations.
( e ) How are changes made to the flight plan during flight?
( f ) Describe the procedures in the event of lost communication with ATC ( if app licable).
(4) Landing/recovery. Provide a description of system equipment required for this operation. Identify unique system performance and procedures.
(5) Post - F light.
D - 5 09/08/2017 8130.34D Appendix D (a) I dentify the parts of the system, includ ing support equipment required for t he UAS to conduct safe operations. Information presented in response to this item will address the following at a minimum : 1 The process by which the system is operated post - flight .
2 The systems required to operate the system post - flight .
3 Critical p rocess points that are established .
(b) Describe the process for a post - flight inspection .
(c) Describe the process for incident/accident reporting.
c. Operating A reas.
(1) Describe h ow you will ensure there is no unusual ground activity under the flight o perations area . For example, are there any weekend events scheduled? Are there housing areas or public gathering places?
(2) Identify any military or civilian routes through the proposed operational area.
(3) Identify the proposed operating area on an aeronautical chart. The proposed area must define lateral boundaries and requested altitudes.
d. Flight E nvelope and T est P lans.
(1) Describe the conditions under which flight envelopes will be tested. How close will operations be to any populated areas an d major highways?
(2) Describe how you plan to meet test objectives under the proposed flight envelop e and operating area. Include test plans, if possible.
e. Operating H istory. Describe the operational history of the system . Include details of the follow ing items: (1) Total number of flights and flight hours on the aircraft .
(2) Any system failures, incidents, accidents, or emergencies, and the resultant system modifications or corrective actions.
f. Manuals .
(1) Is there an operating manual for the aircr aft?
(2) Does the manual have a section with all of the aircraft limitations in one location?
(3) Does the operating manual have bolded or underlined procedures for emergencies for memory item steps?
(4) Is there an operational checklist for all phases of the operation?
(5) Are there separate checklist items for n ormal, a bnormal, or e mergency procedures?
D - 6 09/08/2017 8130.34D Appendix D 7. Organizational C onsiderations .
a. Pilot/ C rew Q ualifications/ T raining . Refer to 14 CFR p art 61 , Certification: P ilots , F light I nstructors , and G round I nstructors ; p art 63 , Certification: F light C rew m embers O ther T han P ilots ; and p art 65 , Certification: A irmen O ther T han F light C rew m embers.
(1) Crew. Is there a crew resource management training program? If so, describe the program.
(2) Pilot.
(a) Do the pilots have current pilot certificate s ? If so, what type of pilot certificate s ?
(b) Do the pilots have current medical certificate s ? If so, which class es of medical certificate s ?
(c) Describe in detail and reference any procedur es that show that t he pilots are properly trained.
(d) Is there an established formal training curriculum for all pilots including PIC, s upplemental , or c hase pilots?
( e ) Is the pilot type rated for the aircraft being flown?
(3) Observer.
(a) Do the ob servers have current pilot certificate s ? If so, what type of pilot certificate s ?
(b) Do the observers have current medical certificate s ? If so, which class es of medical certificate s ?
( c ) Does the observer understand the applicable aviation regulations , such as see and avoid, cloud clearance requirements , and right - of - way rules?
( d ) Is the observer a current pilot ? Has he/she completed a training curriculum? Is there an established formal training curriculum for all observers? If so, please provide i t during the on site inspection .
( e ) Describe , in detail , how the observer is properly trained to be an effective member of the flight team.
(f ) Does the observer understand — 1 Proper communications and phraseology ?
2 Proper visual scan techniques ?
3 S tandard flight operations at non - towered airports ?
4 Containment areas and how to determine whether the UA is operating within that area ?
b. Maintenance. Does a maintenance and inspection program exist?
End of Safety Checklist D - 7 09/08/2017 8130.34 D Appendix E Appendix E. UAS Risk Index Use the applic ant’s program letter to determine the points to assess for each risk category in t able E - 1. Use the total score from t able E - 1 to determine the g roup category (as listed in table E - 3) . Use t able E - 4 below to determine the tasks that should be completed b y the applicant to establish that the aircraft will meet the applicable regulatory standards . Some certification items were not included in t able E - 4 because they will likely be necessary for all group categories . These items include the FAA Form 8130 - 6, program letter, aircraft registration, aircraft markings, and qualified crewmembers . Additional g uidance on the use of this UAS Risk Index is contained in c hapter 3 of this order .
Table E - 1 . Risk Categories Risk Category Incremental Element Value Points Maximum Takeoff Up to 4.5 lbs 0 Weight 4.5 up to 55 lbs 5 Maximum Takeoff Weight 55 lbs up to 300 lbs 10 Maximum Takeoff Weight Maximum Takeoff Weight 300 lbs up to 1,000 lbs 15 Maximum Takeoff Weight Greater than 1,000 lbs 25 Maximum Spee d Less than 87 kts (100 mph) 0 Maximum Speed 87 kts to 250 kts 10 Maximum Speed Greater than 250 kts 20 Maximum Less than 200 ft AGL 0 Operating Altitude 200 ft AGL up to 500 ft AGL 5 Maximum Operating Altitude 500 ft AGL up to 5,000 ft AGL 10 Maximum Operating Altitude 5,000 ft AGL up to 17,999 MSL 15 Maximum Operating Altitude Maximum Operating Altitude Class A and above 25 Flight History Known – previous flight time ≥ 50 hrs 0 Flight History Known – previous flight time < 50 hrs 2 Flight History Unknown – first flight 6 Total Score Table E - 2. Special Considerations Special Consideration Yes No Night Operations IMC Beyond or Extended Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS/EVLOS) Chase Aircraft Operations Closer T han 2 Miles F rom Towered Airport Note: If “Y es ” is checked for any of these items, Group II I requirements will be applied. FAA Order 8900.1 may impose additional re quirements ( such as a safety case) for these items.
E - 1 09/08/2017 8130.34 D Appendix E Table E - 3 . Group Categories Group Category Total Score Group I 0 to 16 Group II 17 to 39 Group III 40 and above Table E - 4 . Applicant Tasks Applicant Task Group I Group II Group III Charted Flight A rea Should be completed Should be completed Should be completed by applicant by applicant by applicant Safety Checklist N/A Should be completed Should be completed by applicant by applicant Safety Evaluation FAA only reviews FAA determines if Should be completed program letter; safety evaluation is questions resolved necessary and the via email or phone appropriate format Initial Flight Test Plan N/A* Should be completed Should be completed by applicant; by a pplicant * Comprehensive review by FAA not required* Flight Test Plans for N/A* Should be completed Should be completed Major Configuration by applicant; by applicant* Comprehensive Changes review by FAA not required* Operating Manual Should be completed Should be completed Should be completed by applicant by appli cant by applicant Weight and Balance Should be completed Should be completed Should be completed by applicant by applicant by applicant See FAA Order See FAA Order Maintenance and See FAA Order 8900.1 8900.1 Inspection Program 8900.1 Review and Acceptance Self - Certifying Statement See FA A Order See FAA Order See FAA Order 8900.1 8900.1 8900 .1 of Compliance With Maintenance and Inspection Program See FAA Order See FAA O rder See FAA Order Maintenance Records 8900.1 8900.1 8900.1 Condition Inspection See FAA Order See FAA Order See FAA Ord er 8900.1 8900.1 8900.1 Comply W ith Should be completed Should be completed Should be completed Airworthiness Directives by applicant by applicant by applicant Major Configuration Should be completed Should be completed Shou ld be completed Change Reporting by applicant by applicant by applicant * Flight testing should show that the aircraft is controllable throughout its normal range of speeds and throughout all the maneuvers to be executed and has no hazardous operating characteristics or design features.
**Identifi cation is in accordance with § 21.182 . Small UA do not require a fireproof ID plate.
Note: Table E - 4 does not include all certification requirements li sted in c hapter 3 of this order .
E - 2 09/08/2017 8130.34D Appendix F Appendix F. Definitions Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) . For aircraft, a COA is issued as a waiver from Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 91.113 . COAs are issued by the FAA ’s Air Traffic Organization.
Optionally P iloted A ircraft (OPA ). A manned aircraft that can be flown or controlled by the onboard pilot in command or by another individual from a location not onboard the aircraft.
Small Unmanned Aircraft. An unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds on takeoff, including everything that is on board or otherwise attached to the aircraft .
Unmanned Aircraft (UA). An aircraft that is operated without the pos sibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). An unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the pilot in command to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system.
F - 1 09/08/2017 8130.34 D Appendix G Appendix G. FAA Form 1320 - 19, Directive Feedback Information Directive Feedback Information Please submit any written comments or recommendat ions for improving this directive, or suggest new items or subjects to be added to it. Also, if you find an error, please tell us about it.
S ubject: FAA Order 8130. 34D To: Directives Management Officer (DMO) at 9 - AWA - AVS - AIR - DMO@faa.gov or complete the form online at https://ksn2.faa.gov/avs/dfs/Pages/Home.aspx (Please check all appropriate line items) An error (procedural or typographical) has been noted in paragraph __________ on page ________________.
Recommend paragraph ________________ on pa ge ___________ ____ be changed as follows: (attach separate sheet if necessary) In a future change to this directive, please include coverage on the following subject (briefly descr ibe what you want added): Other comments: I would like to discuss the above. Ple ase contact me.
Submitted by: ____________________________________ Date: ___________ _____________ FTS Telephone Number: ___________________________ Routing Symbol: ____ ___________ FAA Form 1320 - 19 (10 - 98) G - 1