N 8900.227 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operational Approval

An update to N 8900.207 published back in January of this year.

http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Notice/N_8900.227.pdf

This is the bit that will be of most interest to sUAS News readers

Methods. The methods of operational approval are the issuance of either a COA for public aircraft operations or a Special Airworthiness Certificate for civil operations, provided the aircraft has been issued a type certificate from AIR in accordance with part 21. In the case of public aircraft operations, the operating entity applying to conduct the UAS operation must comply with its own processes, policies, and standards in the following areas, in addition to complying with all applicable safety provisions in all other parts of 14 CFR:
• Pilot certification,
• Crew certification,
• Recent pilot experience (or, currency),
• Medical certificates, and
• Airworthiness of public UAS.
Note: If no established public entity processes, policies, or standards exist, it is highly recommended that the public agency/department apply the specifics outlined in this notice and comply with the provisions of 14 CFR applicable to civil UAS operations.