The document proposes a new operational approval process for certifying small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) instead of the traditional airworthiness certification process. The proposed process would involve a risk assessment based on the sUAS's weight, operational environment, operator expertise, and other factors. Operators would submit information and photos online, agree to operational limitations like visual line of sight and daytime-only flights, and provide proof of insurance to obtain a printed "certificate" with an identification number to be displayed on the sUAS. The FAA would oversee the process while delegating management to contractors. The proposal addresses various questions around where to set operational limits, altitude restrictions, and privacy issues.

1. Cleared for Public Release
sUAS Certification – A Proposal
sUAS Business Exposition
May 8, 2014
Doug Davis, Director of
Airworthiness

2. Agenda
• Certification for sUAS – A proposal……
• How about the rest?
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Definition of Airworthiness – An Aircraft
complies with it’s approved Type Design and
it’s in a safe state of operation
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3. Certification of sUAS – A proposal
• Certify?
– Not in the traditional sense of Airworthiness
– Make it an Operational Approval
• What then?
– A Risk assessment based on:
• Weight
• Operational environment
• Crew expertise
• Frangibility
• How?
– Web-based
– Submit a picture…then what about changes?
– Provide proof of insurance
– Agree to comply with operational limitations, e.g. VLOS, daytime,
etc
– When you agree to terms, prints out a “certificate” with a 16 digit
“N” number that must be hard wired on the frame

4. Certification of sUAS – A proposal
• Who?
– FAA Development/oversight
– Delegated Authority to manage
• Trains, certifies operators
– Contractor develops web-based system
• Tools?
– Additional Web-based system
– Mouse driven
• Applicant/Operator places mouse over desired
operating location
• Application informs operator what the
operational limitations are
• Two Page rule
– KISS principle…but pack the wallop of a real rule….

5. Still Some Hard Questions….
• Where/how do you draw the line on limits?
– Location? Close to airports?
– Risk?
– Population density?
– What model do you use? NASA”s?
– Recommendation – Stay well away from airports…understand where the approaches run…work with the
towers to stay well clear
– 2 lbs and under (MTOW) to start off
• After the rule if finalized…petition to waive based on location, etc….mitigating the risk!
• What about the altitude?
– Depends….can you see it?
– 400-500 AGL works…stick with it
• What about Privacy?
– Ugh….still an issue?
• Spectrum?
• How do we let the people know?
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6. And the Rest?
• There’s always 14 CFR Part 21……
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7. Questions?
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