What are the requirements for obtaining a Part 107 waiver from the FAA, and what types of operations might require one?

A Part 107 waiver from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) allows a Remote Pilot to deviate from certain regulations outlined in Part 107 of the FAA's rules regarding the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), or drones, in the National Airspace System. Obtaining a waiver requires demonstrating to the FAA that the proposed operation can be safely conducted under the terms of the waiver. The FAA evaluates waiver applications based on safety and public interest. The applicant must demonstrate that they can maintain an equivalent level of safety as would be achieved by strictly adhering to the regulations they seek to waive. The applicant must provide a detailed description of the proposed operation, including the type of UAV being used, the location of the operation, the procedures that will be followed, and the mitigations that will be put in place to address any potential safety risks. They need to explain how they will ensure the safety of people on the ground and other aircraft in the airspace. The application must include supporting documentation, such as flight manuals, maintenance records, and pilot training records. The applicant must hold a valid Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107. Common types of operations that may require a Part 107 waiver include: Operations at night. Part 107 typically requires all sUAS operations to occur during daylight hours. A waiver is needed to fly at night, demonstrating that the pilot can maintain visual line of sight and avoid obstacles in low-light conditions, often by utilizing specialized lighting on the drone and the surrounding area. Operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). Part 107 requires the Remote Pilot and visual observer (if used) to maintain visual line of sight of the sUAS at all times. BVLOS operations require a waiver demonstrating how the pilot will maintain control of the aircraft and avoid collisions without direct visual observation, often using advanced technologies and trained observers along the flight path. Operations over people. Part 107 places restrictions on flying over people who are not directly participating in the operation. A waiver is needed to fly over people, demonstrating that the risk of injury is minimized, often through the use of smaller, lighter drones with safety features like parachutes, or by ensuring that the operation occurs in a controlled access area. Operations from a moving vehicle. Part 107 generally prohibits operating an sUAS from a moving vehicle, unless it is over a sparsely populated area. A waiver is needed for operations from a moving vehicle in other areas, demonstrating that the operation can be safely conducted without posing a hazard to people or property. Operations in certain airspace. Waivers are sometimes needed to operate in controlled airspace near airports, particularly if exceeding altitude restrictions. For example, a construction company needing to inspect a tall building near an airport at night would likely require waivers for both nighttime operation and operating in controlled airspace, needing to detail their safety protocols to avoid conflicts with manned aircraft.