AIM Text
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), formerly referred to as “Unmanned Aerial Vehicles” (UAVs) or “drones,” are having an increasing operational presence in the NAS. Once the exclusive domain of the military, UAS are now being operated by various entities. Although these aircraft are “unmanned,” UAS are flown by a remotely located pilot and crew. Physical and performance characteristics of unmanned aircraft (UA) vary greatly and unlike model aircraft that typically operate lower than 400 feet AGL, UA may be found operating at virtually any altitude and any speed. Sizes of UA can be as small as several pounds to as large as a commercial transport aircraft. UAS come in various categories including airplane, rotorcraft, powered-lift (tilt-rotor), and lighter-than-air. Propulsion systems of UAS include a broad range of alternatives from piston powered and turbojet engines to battery and solar-powered electric motors.
- To ensure segregation of UAS operations from other aircraft, the military typically conducts UAS operations within restricted or other special use airspace. However, UAS operations are now being approved in the NAS outside of special use airspace through the use of FAA-issued Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COA) or through the issuance of a special airworthiness certificate. COA and special airworthiness approvals authorize UAS flight operations to be contained within specific geographic boundaries and altitudes, usually require coordination with an ATC facility, and typically require the issuance of a NOTAM describing the operation to be conducted. UAS approvals also require observers to provide “see-and-avoid” capability to the UAS crew and to provide the necessary compliance with 14 CFR section 91.113. For UAS operations approved at or above FL180, UAS operate under the same requirements as that of manned aircraft (i.e., flights are operated under instrument flight rules, are in communication with ATC, and are appropriately equipped).
- UAS operations may be approved at either controlled or uncontrolled airports and are typically disseminated by NOTAM. In all cases, approved UAS operations must comply with all applicable regulations and/or special provisions specified in the COA or in the operating limitations of the special airworthiness certificate. At uncontrolled airports, UAS operations are advised to operate well clear of all known manned aircraft operations. Pilots of manned aircraft are advised to follow normal operating procedures and are urged to monitor the CTAF for any potential UAS activity. At controlled airports, local ATC procedures may be in place to handle UAS operations and should not require any special procedures from manned aircraft entering or departing the traffic pattern or operating in the vicinity of the airport.
- In addition to approved UAS operations described above, a recently approved agreement between the FAA and the Department of Defense authorizes small UAS operations wholly contained within Class G airspace, and in no instance, greater than 1200 feet AGL over military owned or leased property. These operations do not require any special authorization as long as the UA remains within the lateral boundaries of the military installation as well as other provisions including the issuance of a NOTAM. Unlike special use airspace, these areas may not be depicted on an aeronautical chart.
- There are several factors a pilot should consider regarding UAS activity in an effort to reduce potential flight hazards. Pilots are urged to exercise increased vigilance when operating in the vicinity of restricted or other special use airspace, military operations areas, and any military installation. Areas with a preponderance of UAS activity are typically noted on sectional charts advising pilots of this activity. Since the size of a UA can be very small, they may be difficult to see and track. If a UA is encountered during flight, as with manned aircraft, never assume that the pilot or crew of the UAS can see you, maintain increased vigilance with the UA and always be prepared for evasive action if necessary. Always check NOTAMs for potential UAS activity along the intended route of flight and exercise increased vigilance in areas specified in the NOTAM.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 7-6-6.
The short answer
This AIM section is FAA advisory guidance on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the National Airspace System. It explains how UAS are authorized via Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COA) or special airworthiness certificates, their see-and-avoid observer requirement under 14 CFR 91.113, and how manned-aircraft pilots should stay vigilant around UAS activity.
Research Notes
Common Questions
How are UAS authorized to fly in the NAS outside special use airspace?
The AIM explains UAS operations are approved outside special use airspace through FAA-issued Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COA) or a special airworthiness certificate. These authorizations contain operations within specific geographic boundaries and altitudes, usually require coordination with an ATC facility, and typically require a NOTAM. They also require observers to provide see-and-avoid capability and compliance with 14 CFR 91.113. At or above FL180, UAS operate under the same IFR requirements as manned aircraft.
At what altitudes can I expect to encounter a UAS?
Unlike model aircraft that typically operate below 400 feet AGL, the AIM notes UA may be found at virtually any altitude and any speed, ranging in size from several pounds to as large as a commercial transport aircraft. A separate FAA–Department of Defense agreement authorizes small UAS wholly contained within Class G airspace, in no instance greater than 1200 feet AGL over military-owned or leased property. These areas may not be depicted on aeronautical charts.
What should manned-aircraft pilots do near UAS activity?
The AIM urges increased vigilance near restricted or special use airspace, military operations areas, and military installations, with UAS activity often noted on sectional charts. Because a UA can be very small and hard to see, pilots should never assume the UAS crew can see them, maintain vigilance, and be prepared for evasive action. At uncontrolled airports, monitor the CTAF for potential UAS activity, and always check NOTAMs for UAS operations along the route of flight.