FAA DOUBLES “BLANKET” ALTITUDE FOR UAS

May 23, 2016

After completing a comprehensive risk analysis, the FAA has raised the “blanket” altitude authorization for 14 C.F.R. Section 333 exemption holders and government aircraft operators of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to 400 feet. The new altitude is a significant increase over the previous 200 foot limitation as stated by Certificate of Waiver of Authorization (COA) requirements and allows small UAS to fly up to the blanket altitude authorization anywhere in the country except in restricted airspaces such as airports and major cities. The new blanket authorization is expected to reduce workload for COA applications and FAA regulators, reducing the need for individual COA by 30 to 40 percent. However, other FAA UAS authorization provisions, such as registration and pilot certification, still apply.

If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6665).

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