In 2018, Manatee County adopted its first ever UAS policy and procedure. The program now boasts a team of over 30 Part 107 licensed pilots across the county's organization. Using drones in county operation has dramatically improved the speed to complete a variety of tasks, including asset collection, building inspections, emergency operations, environmental health assessments, irrigation studies, and more.

The following resources from Manatee County Board of Commissioners Administration are available to use as reference as you build policy and procedure in your county.

Policy Manual | Procedures Manual

Beginning in 2017, the UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP) has brought state, local, and tribal governments together with private sector entities, such as UAS operators or manufacturers, to test and evaluate the integration of civil and public drone operations into the national airspace system. Learn more: IPP Program Overview

The FAA is tackling the remaining challenges of UAS Integration through a new program called BEYOND. Learn more: UAS BEYOND Overview

COA is an authorization issued by the Air Traffic Organization to a public operator for a specific UA activity. After a complete application is submitted, the FAA conducts a comprehensive operational and technical review. If necessary, provisions or limitations may be imposed as part of the approval to ensure the UA can operate safely with other airspace users. In most cases, the FAA will provide formal response within 60 days from the time a completed application is submitted.

Learn more about COA through the following resources:
Certificate of Waiver or Authorization Quick Links
Guide to Understanding Public Aircraft Operations, COAs and SGIs
Video: Dive into the FAA UAS COA Process

The Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO) should be contacted for the following:
- Low-flying aircraft
- Accident reporting
- Air carrier certification and operations
- Aircraft maintenance
- Aircraft operational issues
- Aircraft permits
- Airmen certification (licensing)
- Certification and modification issues
- Enforcement of airmen & aircraft regulations
- Illegal air charter

Find information for the FSDO in your area: List of All FSDOs

Part 91 General Operations
General aviation pilots will find information regarding operations of private aircraft in Part 91 and Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Private pilots can carry dangerous goods for personal use aboard their personal aircraft without being regulated, as long as they are not transporting it in commerce. Learn more: Part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules.

The 14 CFR, Section 91.1085 - Hazardous Materials Recognition Training states that no program manager may use any person to perform, and no person may perform, any assigned duties and responsibilities for the handling or carriage of hazardous materials, unless that person has receiving training in the recognition of hazardous materials. Learn more: 91.1085 Hazardous Materials Recognition Training.

Part 135 Air Carrier and Operator Certification
The FAA's site contains general information on Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 135 certificates, requirements for certification, and the certification process. The site is designed to assist an applicant in determining if their proposed operation could be conducted Part 135, in determining what type of 135 certification they wish to pursue, general requirements for certification, and the FAA certification process. Learn more: 14 CFR Part 135 Air Carrier and Operator Certification .

What is Remote ID?
Remote ID is the ability of a drone in flight to provide identification and location information that can be received by other parties.

Why Do We Need Remote ID?
Remote ID helps the FAA, law enforcement, and other federal agencies find the control station when a drone appears to be flying in an unsafe manner or where it is not allowed to fly. Remote ID also lays the foundation of the safety and security groundwork needed for more complex drone operations. Learn more: FAA Guide on Remote ID.

Remote ID for Drone Pilots
All drone pilots are required to register, including those who fly for fun, for business, or for public safety, must operate their drone in accordance with the final rule on remote ID beginning 30 months after the rules effective date, which gives drone owners sufficient time to upgrade their aircraft. Learn more: FAA Guide on Remote ID for Drone Pilots.

Remote ID for Industry and Standards Bodies
Drone manufacturers have until 18 months after the rules effective date to comply with the final rule, which gives manufacturers sufficient time to produce drones with built-in standard remote ID. The FAA also encourages the early production of remote ID broadcast modules. Learn more: FAA Guide on Remote ID for Industry and Standards Bodies.

The Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Over People Final Rule is the next incremental step towards further integration of unmanned aircraft in the National Airspace System. The final rule allows routine operations over people and routine operations at night under certain circumstances. The rule will eliminate the need for typical operations to receive individual Part 107 certificate of waivers from the FAA. Learn more: FAA Guide to Operations Over People.