Aloft Introduces Automated SGI Waivers in Aloft Air Control, Streamlining Access to Restricted Airspaces

 Aloft Technologies, Inc. (Aloft), a leader in advanced drone software solutions, is thrilled to announce the integration of Automated Special Government Interest (SGI) Waivers into its Aloft Air Control platform. This new feature is set to revolutionize how drone operators access restricted airspaces, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and compliance with federal regulations.

Automated SGI waivers are available today for all Aloft Air Control enterprise customers.

The Automated SGI Waivers functionality simplifies the complex and time-consuming process of obtaining necessary permissions for drone operations in sensitive or restricted areas. This development reflects Aloft’s ongoing commitment to innovation and its dedication to supporting the operational needs of its clients across various industries, including public safety, emergency response, and infrastructure inspection.

Jon Hegranes, CEO and Founder of Aloft, commented on the new feature, saying, “We understand the critical nature of time-sensitive operations, especially in scenarios that involve public safety and emergency responses. Integrating Automated SGI Waivers into Aloft Air Control not only streamlines the approval process but ensures that our clients can deploy their drones quickly and legally, even in the most restricted airspaces. This capability is about empowering our users to focus more on their mission-critical tasks and less on bureaucratic hurdles.”

The Automated SGI Waivers are designed to interact seamlessly with existing features within the Aloft Air Control ecosystem, providing a comprehensive solution for airspace management that includes pre-flight planning, real-time traffic alerts, and post-operation analysis. This integration ensures a smooth, intuitive user experience and upholds the highest safety and compliance standards.

Key benefits of the Automated SGI Waivers include:

-Reduced Approval Times: Drastically cuts down the waiting period for gaining airspace access, facilitating rapid response and operational readiness.

-Enhanced Compliance: Ensures that all drone flights are compliant with current FAA regulations, minimizing legal risks and enhancing public safety.

-Streamlined Operations: Integrates with the overall flight management system to provide a unified workflow from planning to execution.

This innovative feature is expected to set a new benchmark for operational efficiency in drone technology, reflecting Aloft’s role as a pioneer in the industry. With one click, users can transform an existing mission in Aloft into an auto-generated SGI form ready to email to the FAA’s SOSC Office.

For more information about Automated SGI Waivers and Aloft Air Control, please email sales@aloft.ai or contact your Aloft customer success representative.

About Aloft Technologies, Inc.:
Aloft Technologies, Inc. specializes in developing advanced drone software solutions, empowering businesses and government entities to manage their drone operations with enhanced efficiency, safety, and compliance. Based in Syracuse, NY, Aloft continues to lead the way in airspace and fleet management technology. Aloft’s UTM network and Air Control platform is utilized by hundreds of government and public safety agencies.

Public Safety and Law Enforcement Toolkit

 

This toolkit is designed to assist law enforcement and public safety entities in operating and handling situations involving drones or UAS.

• Download and print our Law Enforcement Pocket Card (PDF)
• Download our Drones in Public Safety: A Guide to Starting Operations (PDF)
• State and Local Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (PDF)
• Letter to COA Holders – Statutory Requirement to Register UAS
  (November 5, 2014) (PDF)
• First Responder Tactical Beyond Visual Line of Sight (TBVLOS) 91.113 Waiver Guide (PDF)

Webinar: Drone Safety: It's the Law
The use of drones in our nation's airspace is rapidly increasing, which raises both opportunities and challenges for public safety and government officials. Learn more about how your authority allows you to take action and respond to unauthorized or unsafe drone operations. Watch the webinar.

Advisory Circular (AC) 00-1.1B
Government or government-contracted aircraft operations must obtain COA from the FAA prior to operations.
Advisory Circular 00-1.1B, Public Aircraft Operations

Small UAS Rule Part 107
This rule contains safety regulations for drones weighing less than 55 pounds.
Summary of the Part 107 Rule (PDF)
Fly under the Small UAS Rule
Advisory Circular 107-2 (PDF)

The Exception for Recreational Flyers
People who fly their drone, UAS, or model aircraft for fun are considered recreational flyers.
Recreational Flyers & Modeler Community-Based Organizations
Authorization for limited recreational operations as described in section 44809 (PDF)
Advisory Circular 91-57B – Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft

Mobile Apps
The FAA's B4UFly App assists users in determining where they can and can't fly. Law enforcement and public safety agencies can use it to determine where they can operate drones or whether drone operations are authorized in a specific location or not.

Public Safety Small Drone Playbook

Drones are being safely integrated into our national airspace for recreational, commercial, and public safety uses. However, unauthorized operations can cause potential hazards to people and property both in the air and on the ground. Our Public Safety Small Drone Playbook is intended to be used as an informational resource for public safety officials conducting investigations regarding drones. The Playbook can assist in determining the difference between authorized and non-authorized drone operations and what potential actions public safety might take.

• Drone Response Playbook for Public Safety (PDF)
• Supplement to the Drone Response Playbook for Public Safety

First, in the Nation – Pearland PD expands DFR operations to include BVLOS without Visual Observers

 

Pearland Police Department has been awarded a certificate of authorization (COA) to operate its drone as first responder (DFR) program beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operation, eliminating the need for human visual observers (VOs). This was achieved using Iris Automation’s Casia G ground-based air surveillance system. 

Read More; SUAS News

Renewing your Part 107 Certificate – sUAS Recurrent Certificate

 

It has been two years since you showed up to the testing center and nervously answered a bunch of questions in order to get your initial Part 107 Certificate.

Now it is time to renew. In the past, that meant another registration through CATS, a trip to the nearest testing center, and another $150 fee.

As of April of 2021, the FAA released an online course and exam that allowed pilots with their Part 107 certificate to renew to a Part 107 sUAS recurrent certificate. Best of all, it’s FREE!

Here is what you need to do for your Part 107 sUAS recurrent certificate.

Sign up for an FAA Safety Account at faasafety.gov

Once you have created an account and logged in, you will need to enroll in the course. Navigate to the Activities, Courses, Seminars, and Webinars tab and click on the button in the blue bar to show all available courses.

The courses are listed alphabetically, so you can scroll down to find “Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent.”

The course ID for this program is ALC-677. Make sure you are not signing up for the courses for Part 61 pilots (unless, of course, you have your Part 61).

Click on Enroll, and it will open you up to the training.

The course takes around 2 hours to complete.

When you first begin the course, you will be brought to the Introduction Page. It simply describes who the course is for and what it covers.

Following the introduction are three modules, a review, and the exam. The review and exam are not clickable until you have gone through all three modules.

Once you feel like you are ready to take the exam, just go ahead and click on the exam button.

It will open up a list of 45 multiple choice questions, most of which have three possible answers to choose from. You have 90 minutes to answer all 45 questions correctly.

Unlike the initial test or the old recurrent test, you need to get 100% of these questions correct. Fortunately, you will have the opportunity to correct any wrong answers.

Once you have selected a response for all of the questions, click at the bottom to grade the exam.

At the top of the page, there may be some red text indicating questions that were marked incorrect.

Change the answers to the correct one and grade the exam again.

If you run out of time before all answers are correct, you will have to start the exam over again.

Once you get all of the questions correct, you have completed the training and are given the option to view your certificate or email your credentials to someone.

Final Thoughts

You may have noticed that your old Airmen certificate doesn’t have an expiration date. FAA will not be sending you a new one after completing this training.

Go ahead and print off a copy and slide it into your drone case next to the aircraft registration.

In the unlikely event that you have to present your certificate to a FAA investigator, you’ll be happy you have it.

Drone Pilots: Mark Your Calendars - Drone Safety Day 2023

 

WASHINGTON—The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is inviting the drone community to be part of its 2023 Drone Safety Day on Saturday, April 29. 

This one-day national event encourages drone pilots and recreational flyers to “Fly RIGHT” by focusing on five safety elements:

 

• Register your drone 
• Interact with others
• Gain knowledge
• Have a safety plan
• TRUST and Train

The FAA launched the annual campaign in 2019 to bring attention to drone safety and best practices. Safety is a shared responsibility that requires the community and the FAA to work together.

For additional information about virtual and in-person events near you, visit the FAA’s Drone Safety Day webpage. Follow the FAA on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for the latest Drone Safety Day news. 

Interested In Flying Drones Beyond Visual Line Of Sight?

Interested in flying drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)? The BVLOS Aviation Rulemaking Committee report is available and we want to know your thoughts! Learn how to submit your comments and attend the next listening session at More

Flying Drone Near Airport? Here’s What To Know

Flying Drone Near Airport? Here’s What To Know: Chicago Executive Airport has warned drone owners on the dangers of flying too close to the airport. “We are one of the busiest airports… we operate three runways and have seen multiple unauthorized drones in the airport,” Chicago Executive Airport Operations and Maintenance Supervisor Andrew Wolanik said. Chicago Executive, a facility owned and operated jointly

UAF Makes Alaska's First Large Drone Flight from Int'l Airport

UAF Makes Alaska's First Large Drone Flight from Int'l Airport: University of Alaska Fairbanks makes Alaska's first large drone flight from Fairbanks International Airport.

Join the FAA for Drone Safety Day

 WASHINGTON—The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is inviting the drone community to be part of its 2022 Drone Safety Day campaign on Saturday, June 18. This year’s campaign will be a one-day national event, to encourage drone pilots and recreational flyers to “Fly RIGHT.” This year’s safety messages will focus on: 

•    Register your drone 
•    Interact with others
•    Gain knowledge
•    Have a safety plan
•    TRUST and Train

Since 2019, the FAA has hosted the annual campaign dedicated to drone safety and best practices. Safety is a shared responsibility that requires the community and the FAA to work together.           

For additional information and to find virtual and in-person events near you, visit faa.gov. Follow the FAA on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for the latest Drone Safety Day news. 

New Drone Rules Take Effect Today

WASHINGTON –Final rules take effect today for remotely identifying drones and allowing operators of small drones to fly over people and at night under certain conditions.

“Today’s rules are an important first step in safely and securely managing the growing use of drones in our airspace, though more work remains on the journey to full integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS),” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. “The Department looks forward to working with stakeholders to ensure that our UAS policies keep pace with innovation, ensure the safety and security of our communities, and foster the economic competitiveness of our country.”

“Drones can provide virtually limitless benefits, and these new rules will ensure these important operations can grow safely and securely,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. “The FAA will continue to work closely with other Department of Transportation offices and stakeholders from across the drone community to take meaningful steps to integrate emerging technologies that safely support increased opportunities for more complex drone use.”

The Remote Identification (Remote ID) rule provides for identifying drones in flight and the location of their control stations, reducing the risk of them interfering with other aircraft or posing a risk to people and property on the ground. The rule provides crucial information to our national security and law enforcement partners and other agencies charged with ensuring public safety. It applies to all drones that require FAA registration.

The Operations Over People rule applies to pilots who fly under Part 107 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Under this rule, the ability to fly over people and over moving vehicles varies depending on the level of risk a small drone poses to people on the ground. Additionally, this rule allows operations at night under certain conditions provided pilots complete certain training or pass knowledge tests.

The public can review both the Remote ID (PDF) and Operations Over People Rule (PDF) in the Federal Register.

Press Release – U.S. Department of Transportation Issues Two Much-Anticipated Drone Rules to Advance Safety and Innovation in the United States

WASHINGTON December 28, 2020— The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced final rules for Unmanned Aircraft (UA), commonly known as drones. The new rules will require Remote Identification (Remote ID) of drones and allow operators of small drones to fly over people and at night under certain conditions. These rules come at a time when drones represent the fastest-growing segment in the entire transportation sector – with currently over 1.7 million drone registrations and 203,000 FAA-certificated remote pilots.

Remote ID will help mitigate risks associated with expanded drone operations, such as flights over people and at night, and both rules support technological and operational innovation and advancements.

“These final rules carefully address safety, security and privacy concerns while advancing opportunities for innovation and utilization of drone technology,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.

Remote ID (PDF) is a major step toward the full integration of drones into the national airspace system. Remote ID provides identification of drones in flight as well as the location of their control stations, providing crucial information to our national security agencies and law enforcement partners, and other officials charged with ensuring public safety. Airspace awareness reduces the risk of drone interference with other aircraft and people and property on the ground.

Equipping drones with Remote ID technology builds on previous steps taken by the FAA and the drone industry to integrate operations safely into the national airspace system. Part 107 of the federal aviation regulations currently prohibits covered drone operations over people and at night unless the operator obtains a waiver from the FAA. The new FAA regulations jointly provide increased flexibility to conduct certain small UAS without obtaining waiver.

“The new rules make way for the further integration of drones into our airspace by addressing safety and security concerns,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. “They get us closer to the day when we will more routinely see drone operations such as the delivery of packages.”

The Remote ID rule (PDF) applies to all operators of drones that require FAA registration. There are three ways to comply with the operational requirements:

1. Operate a standard Remote ID drone that broadcasts identification and location information of the drone and control station;

2. Operate a drone with a Remote ID broadcast module (may be a separate device attached to the drone), which broadcasts identification, location, and take-off information; or

3. Operate a drone without Remote ID but at specific FAA-recognized identification areas.

The Operations Over People and at Night rule (PDF) applies to Part 107 operators. The ability to fly over people and moving vehicles varies depending on the level of risk a small drone operation presents to people on the ground. Operations are permitted based on four categories, which can be found in the executive summary (PDF) accompanying the rule. Additionally, this rule allows for operations at night under certain conditions.

The final rule requires that small drone operators have their remote pilot certificate and identification in their physical possession when operating, ready to present to authorities if needed. This rule also expands the class of authorities who may request these forms from a remote pilot. The final rule replaces the requirement to complete a recurrent test every 24 calendar months with the requirement to complete updated recurrent training that includes operating at night in identified subject areas. 

Both rules will become effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. The Remote ID rule includes two compliance dates. Drone manufacturers will have 18 months to begin producing drones with Remote ID, with operators having an additional year to start using drones with Remote ID.

FAA Announces Regulatory Relief Updates for Part 107 Recurrence Exam Testing

Update; This was filed to day and is scheduled to be published in the Federal Registry on May 4, 2020.

April 29, 2020

The FAA has published a wide-ranging Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) (PDF) that provides regulatory relief to pilots, crew members and other FAA certificate holders who have been unable to comply with certain training, recency-of-experience, testing, and checking requirements due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

In Summary; Under the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 outbreak, eligible remote pilots who would normally establish recency of knowledge in accordance with §107.65(a) or (b) may complete online training as an alternative if required to establish recency between April 2020 and June 2020. The remote pilot may complete the FAA-developed initial or recurrent online training courses at www.faasafety.gov one time to establish knowledge recency for six calendar months.

However, because the courses do not include all of the knowledge areas that a remote pilot is required to be tested on every 24 calendar months, the remote pilot will need to establish knowledge recency in accordance with §107.65 at the conclusion of the six calendar months.

Here is what you will need to do;

Register at www.faasafety.gov.

Enroll in either;

ALC-451 Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft System (small UAS) Initial
ALC-515 Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (small UAS) Recurrent

It will take approximately 2 hours to complete this material, to include; introduction, course content, downloadable reference materials, course review and the take the test.

Remember, this test is for drone pilots that need to take their recurrent knowledge test between April 2020 and June 2020 only.  The renewal is only temporary and will authorize you to operate a small unmanned aircraft system under Part 107 for a duration of six calendar months from the month in which the you completed the online training course.  You must take and pass your standard Unmanned Aircraft General (UGR) test before those 6 months are up.   

Please review the complete text from the FAA’s COVID-19 Relief if you have further questions.

A “UAS Primer For Public Safety”, Public Aircraft Ops vs Part 107

The linked information below dated January 2020 was provided by the FAA as a courtesy to public safety entities looking to get operational with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and is a compilation based on many conversations the FAA Public Safety team has had with successful and highly reputable UAS practitioners.

The information is provided as an aid to public safety entities looking to get operational with drones; to help them understand what to do to operate safely in the National Airspace System. This information shall not be construed as official FAA guidance, regulations, or policy, which are contained in other official documents.

Go to the complete; FAA UAS Primer For Public Safety