Which type of operator does a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) apply to?

A Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) is specifically designed for public operators, which include government entities and agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. This type of authorization allows these organizations to operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in ways that may not strictly conform to the standard regulations outlined in Part 107, giving them the flexibility needed to conduct operations for purposes such as law enforcement, firefighting, or search and rescue.

By obtaining a COA, public operators can carry out their missions more effectively while still adhering to safety protocols. The process for a COA involves a thorough review by the FAA, ensuring that the proposed operations meet safety and environmental standards, which is particularly significant for public operators who may have different operational needs compared to private, corporate, or international operators.