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SEL Number: 03OE-07-SUAS
Title: System, Small Unmanned Aircraft


Last Updated: 1/4/2021 11:58:02 AM

Previous SEL Number: 03OE-07-SUAS

Description: A small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) comprises an unmanned aircraft and the equipment necessary for the safe and efficient operation of that aircraft (see definitions below). The system generally includes a fixed or rotary-wing (tethered or non-tethered) aircraft and a Ground Control Station (GCS). sUAS must be operated in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and statutory requirements. Comprehensive sUAS guidance is available on the FAA's website at https://www.faa.gov/uas/.

Definitions (see 44 U.S.C. § 44801; 49 U.S.C. § 40101 note; 14 C.F.R. § 107.3 for these and other relevant definitions):

- Small unmanned aircraft means an unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds on takeoff, including everything that is on board or otherwise attached to the aircraft.
- Small unmanned aircraft system (small UAS) means a small unmanned aircraft and its associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the small unmanned aircraft) that are required for the safe and efficient operation of the small unmanned aircraft in the national airspace system.
- Unmanned aircraft means an aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.

See item 03OE-07-UPGD for accessories and upgrades. Note: Previous item 03OE-07-RPVS has been replaced by 03OE-07-ROVL (for land vehicles), 03OE-07-UMVS (for maritime systems), and 03OE-07-SUAS (for aircraft systems).

ImportantFeatures: Systems generally consist of an aircraft and corresponding Ground Control Station (GCS). Primary payload is normally either a commercial or custom-designed camera with Electro-Optical (EO), Infrared (IR) or EO/IR sensor. Ground stations can have a wide variety of capabilities from manual flight to automated station keeping and pre-programmed mission capabilities based upon GPS waypoints. Newer systems now incorporate obstacle avoidance technology and enhanced mapping features such as 3-D crime scene reconstruction.

Operating Considerations: It is essential that any agency considering sUAS operation become familiar with the applicable regulations. All sUAS must operate either under a Section 333 Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA), or in accordance with the more recent 14 CFR
Code of Federal Regulations
107 requirements. Special attention should be paid to airspace and altitude restrictions, as well as requirements for twilight and night operations. On December 28, 2020 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced final rules for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones that will require Remote Identification (Remote ID) of drones and allow operators of small drones to fly over people and at night under certain conditions.

Consider mission requirements, including required duration, operating area, launch and recover requirements, and prevailing weather conditions. The sUAS category includes a wide performance range depending on the type of aircraft. Fixed-wing aircraft are generally able to cover a large geographic area and have longer mission duration, while rotary-wing aircraft are able to launch and land in a more confined area and are often better suited for stationary observation. Tethered rotary-wing aircraft can use the tether for both power and data, adding a long-duration short-range option for missions such as surveillance or response oversight.

Federal law requires that all aircraft (which includes UAS and radio/remote controlled aircraft) flown outdoors must be registered with the FAA and marked with a registration number. sUAS aircraft weighing more than 0.55 pounds and less than 55 pounds may register online at https://registermyuas.faa.gov/ or by using the legacy paper based registration process. The weight limit includes everything that is on board or otherwise attached to the aircraft at the time of takeoff. Use in accordance with departmental SOG/SOP.

For any remotely accessible vehicle, ensure that manufacturer's default access credentials (username, password) are changed prior to operational use.

Training Requirements: Core Training: Two user categories:

If operating under a COA, the agency may certify remote pilots using their own criteria.

If operating under Part 107, remote pilots must pass the FAA Remote Pilot Knowledge Test and be vetted by the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA).

Note that standard test methods under development by NIST
National Institute of Standards and Technology
in areas such as maneuvering are also usable and recommended for establishing and maintaining operator proficiency. See https://www.nist.gov/el/intelligent-systems-division-73500/aerial-robots.
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Initial Training: Extensive (>2 days)
Sustainment Training: Minimal (<1 day)

Mandatory Standards:


Applicable Standards and References:


MSSL:
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  • Law Enforcement: Bomb Squad
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  • Law Enforcement: Mobile Field Force
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