Who does the Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) apply to?

The Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) is specifically designed for public operators and government entities. This includes organizations such as federal, state, and local government agencies that are conducting unmanned aircraft operations for governmental purposes, research, or public safety.

Public operators typically seek a COA to operate their drones in controlled airspace or to engage in activities that fall outside the standard Part 107 regulations. The COA process allows these operators to apply for permission to use drones under a defined set of conditions that may differ from the general rules established for commercial and recreational operations.

On the other hand, the other groups mentioned do not need a COA. Commercial pilots operating under Part 107 do not require a COA; instead, they follow the regulatory framework that allows for the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for commercial purposes. Private individuals or hobbyists primarily operate under the guidelines set for recreational flying and are also not subject to COA requirements.