The licensing of the pilots is for the benefit and protection of our officers, to reassure the public that we are taking all responsible steps to do things safely and by the book, and it’s also for our insurance carrier. We feel like it’s smart to do both because it adds a certain air of professionalism to the program. Many public agencies we’ve spoken with chose to obtain both a COA and Part 107 certification-in this model, they generally pursue parallel paths, working on and submitting the COA application while also having their pilots study for and take the Part 107 test to obtain their Remote Pilot Certificate.Īlthough speed is one reason to have your pilots get their Part 107 while waiting on your COA application to be processed and approved, another reason is that having both a COA and a Part 107 certification signals to the public and other local entities that all steps are being taken by your public agency to create a thorough, well-organized drone operation.Īs Tom Agos, Crime Prevention Specialist for the Gurnee Police Department in Gurnee, Illinois told us: On the one hand, if you’re trying to get your drone program going quickly Part 107 certification can generally be obtained faster than a COA. ![]() So which one is right for your organization? Part 107 Considerations On the other hand, obtaining a COA means submitting an application to the FAA and waiting to receive authorization for your police or fire department’s proposed UAV operations. Operating under the FAA’s Part 107 rule means that the drone pilot or pilots who will be conducting operations for your public agency each need to take the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test (also called the Part 107 test) and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate, as well as complying with the other requirements listed in the Part 107 rule. This means that, if you work at a police or fire department, you can fly under either a COA or under the Part 107 rule. Choosing Between a COA and Part 107 Certificationīefore we go any farther, let’s define our terms.Īccording to the FAA, federal, state, and local government offices can fly UAVs to support specific missions, such as search and rescue, under either the FAA’s Part 107 rule or by obtaining a COA. In this guide, we’ll cover both options so that you can determine what makes the most sense for your department. ![]() ![]() Should your department pursue Part 107 certification, a Certificate of Authorization ( COA), or both? Navigating the legal considerations for using a drone in a police or fire department can be complicated.
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