FAA Will Release Maps to Speed up Drone Authorization Applications
April 10- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to release the first set of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) facility maps on April 27. The maps will depict areas and altitudes near airports where UAS may operate safely. They will help drone operators improve the quality of their Part 107 airspace authorization requests, which will help the FAA process these requests more quickly.
Beginning April 27, users may access the facility maps at http://www.faa.gov/uas. Users will be able to download the data in several formats, view the site on mobile devices, and customize their views.
By referring to the facility maps when completing airspace authorization applications, remote pilots will be able to tailor their requests to align with locations and altitudes that the maps indicate are likely to be approved for small UAS operations. This will help simplify the process and increase the likelihood that the FAA will approve their requests.
FAA air traffic personnel will use the maps to process Part 107 airspace authorization requests. Altitudes that exceed what are depicted on the maps require additional safety analysis and coordination to determine if an application can be approved.
The maps will be informational only. They do not automatically authorize flights. Remote pilots must still submit online airspace authorization applications at https://www.faa.gov/uas/The maps also do not guarantee approval for requests within the guidelines indicated by the maps. Only the FAA can grant controlled airspace access, which must be done through the authorization process.
The agency is releasing the maps in phases, with the first release on April 27 containing approximately 200 facility maps. The FAA plans to release facility maps over the next 12 months. Updates to the maps database will coincide with the agency’s existing 56-day aeronautical chart production schedule (PDF). If a map is not yet available, it can be expected in future releases.
The FAA’s website will be updated within the several weeks with additional guidance and information about the facility maps. Visit www.faa.gov/uas on April 27, 2017 to view the facility maps.
Additional questions may be directed to the FAA's UAS Integration Office via uashelp@faa.gov or by calling 844-FLY-MY-UA.
FAA Issues Part 107 Waivers, Airspace Authorizations
The FAA has approved 81 authorizations for flights in Class D and E airspace, and has issued 36 waivers of Part 107 provisions to drone operators who applied after the rule’s effective date.
However, the agency has found that many applications have incorrect or incomplete information. Many applicants request too many waivers or request waivers for flights in types of airspace for which the FAA is not yet granting approvals.
It’s important for applicants to understand the information needed to make a successful safety case for granting a waiver. The performance-based standards are available
Autonomy Hub Launches On the Backbone of New FAA Drone Regulations
This Week Community News and Andrew King, did a wonderful piece on the new drone Part 107 regulation rules from the Federal Aviation Administration and how it will impact the aviation and commercial landscape of unmanned systems.
He interviewed our Autonomy Hub Founder and the Midwest Director for Tesla Foundation, Loren Stone, as a contributor for this article, while highlighting the launch of Autonomy Hub, in the Franklinton area of Columbus, Ohio.
