How to start your Public COA to fly Drones.
- Nate
- Jan 31, 2017
- 2 min read
So, this is my first attempt at a blog. I have no clue how this will work out but, screw it why not try something new. My goal is to help you accomplish drone flights in the public safety sector. You see, I am not a super smart person so I like to break things down potato head style to help you understand. my goal so that you can keep me accountable is to put out a blog post once a week.
First thing we will start out with is how to apply for a Public Safety Certificate of Authorization (COA). What the COA does is it grants public entities the permission to fly a drone in designated areas (city, county, et al.) For instance, I work in a city. With our COA I can train and approve people to fly our drone within city limits regardless of if they have their part 107 drone license. However, the individuals that do not have a license are restricted to the city limits. If there is a call for service outside those limits they are screwed unless they are licensed.
The first step for this week is going to be declaring that you are a public entity. Now this can’t just be your Chief or Captain writing a letter that says “We are a city in this state.” This must be a letter from the Attorney General’s office. I have attached a generic copy that you can use to get you started. Once you have this I would move to the next hurdle.
So until next week. This is Nate signing off. Drink whisky, fly drones (but not at the same time), and have fun in life. Semper Fi.
State header
Jacqueline Jackson, Acting Manager
UAS Tactical Operations (AFS-85/AJV-115)
Federal Aviation Administration Headquarters
490 L'Enfant Plaza, SW Suite 3200
Washington, DC 20024
Re: City of (City Name) Application for Certificate of Authorization Waiver
Dear Ms. Jackson:
I am the Attorney General legal representative for the (STATE) division of Aeronautics and am writing this letter at the request of the City of (City Name) in support of its proposed application for a Certificate of Authorization or Waiver (COA) to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System.
The City of (City Name) is a home rule municipal corporation and political subdivision organized under (Add local state article from state constitution.) It adopted its municipal home rule Charter in (year it was adopted). The City of (city name) is a political subdivision within 49 U.S.C. 40102(41)(D).
It is understood that 49 U.S.C. 40125(b) prohibits compensation for public aircraft and the aircraft may not be used for commercial purposes.
Sincerely
Joe the Legal Guy.
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