FAA’s New Waiver Process for Drones in Public Safety
The FAA has updated how public safety agencies can use drones during emergencies, and Charles Werner from DRONERESPONDERS calls it the biggest change since 2016.
He believes this new Certificate of Waiver (COW) will make it much easier and faster for these agencies to get approvals, replacing the old Certificate of Authorization (COA). Werner is confident that in two years, the number of drone programs could grow from 40 to over a thousand. “This new process simplifies and expedites the DFR Waiver approval process and will have the most significance to date and will ultimately increase the number of agencies that start programs exponentially. I estimate in 2 years we will go from 40 DFR Programs today to over a thousand and beyond,” said Werner.
Before, challenges like getting people off rooftops and complicated approval processes were big hurdles. With the new way, all waiver approvals come only from FAA Flight Standards, which means less waiting and paperwork. Now, agencies don’t need two separate approvals anymore.
People feel like having fewer steps makes things run better.
Streamlined Documentation
Documentation requirements have become simpler too. Instead of long reports, agencies fill out an easy questionnaire about their plans. If they’re flying below 200 feet or near tall objects, they just need to follow simple ADS-B technology rules. If they fly higher, up to 400 feet, they need to fill out a form about their detect-and-avoid tools. A letter on agency letterhead also confirms they’re eligible as a public aircraft operation. First-timers should say if they’re a city, county, or state group.
Reporting and Approval Speed
Now, agencies don’t need to file NOTAMs, making operations even easier. Though monthly reports are still needed, they’re less of a hassle. The waivers last for four years, giving more stability. If any organization wants to benefit from longer terms, they can apply under the new rules.
Approvals used to take almost ten months, but now they should be done in just weeks. Everything is handled by email, avoiding older systems like CAPS or DroneZone. The teamwork between DRONERESPONDERS, FAA officials, and other groups helped make these changes happen.
A Bright Future for Drones
With this new waiver process, public safety agencies can use drones more quickly in emergencies. This helps them respond better and faster. For more details or help with the new system, visit DRONERESPONDERS.
