FAA Updates Drone Authorization Guidelines for Airport Emergency Exercises
- Published
- Source
- Dronelife.com
On October 9, 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released updated guidance regarding drone operations during airport emergency exercises. This clarification outlines the authorization requirements for airport sponsors intending to utilize small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) in controlled airspace, emphasizing the need for advance requests for FAA airspace access.
The FAA distinguishes between two application procedures based on the operational regulations: Part 107 operations require airspace authorization through FAADroneZone, while Part 91 operations necessitate a Certificate of Authorization (COA) via CAPS. The agency stresses the importance of early submission of requests to ensure adequate processing time before the planned operations.
This update does not introduce new operating rules or alter existing Part 107 regulations. The FAA is also exploring additional drone applications at airports, such as support for aircraft rescue and firefighting, accident documentation, and airport inspections. Airport operators are encouraged to consult the FAA’s official guidance for detailed application procedures.
Original report
FAA Clarifies Drone Authorization Requirements for Airport Emergency Exercises
Dronelife.com · Miriam McNabbThis briefing is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting and is provided for industry information and news discovery. The original report and source publication are credited and linked where applicable. RobotToday does not claim ownership of third-party source material.
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