FAA Revised Advisory Circular 107-2A

By in Drone Laws

The FAA has updated and revised AC_107-2A.

The updated document provides guidance for conducting small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations in the National Airspace System (NAS) in accordance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 107.

Changes from the previous version includes reference to Remote Identification:

    • 5.17 Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Remote identification requirements are contained in part 89. The information contained in this AC covers the remote identification operational requirements that are relevant to all part 107 operators. Additional information related to remote identification is available in the following ACs: •AC 89-1, Means of Compliance Process for Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft.•AC 89-2, Declaration of Compliance Process for Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft.

 

  • 5.17.1After September 16, 2023, most small unmanned aircraft that are registered or required to be registered must comply with remote identification requirements. The serial number of a standard remote identification unmanned aircraft, or of the remote identification broadcast module, if one is installed on the unmanned aircraft, must be listed on the Certificate of Aircraft Registration. The serial number may only be listed on one Certificate of Aircraft Registration at a time. The remote identification broadcast module may be moved from one unmanned aircraft operated under part 107 to another, but the serial number must also be moved from the first aircraft’s Certificate of Aircraft Registration to the second aircraft’s certificate prior to operation. Small unmanned aircraft that are not required to be registered under part 48, such as those where the unmanned aircraft weighs 0.55 pounds or less, must comply with remote identification requirements when operated under any operating part for which registration is required. Remote identification provides data regarding the location and identification of small unmanned aircraft operating in the NAS. It also provides airspace awareness to the FAA, national security agencies, and law enforcement entities, which can be used to distinguish compliant airspace users from those potentially posing a safety or security risk. A list of unmanned aircraft by make and model that are compliant with remote identification will be found at https://www.faa.gov/uas, when developed.

 

In reference to Operations over People:

  • 8.3.2.1“Sustained flight” over an open-air assembly of persons in a Category 1, 2, or 4 operation does not include a brief, one-time transiting over a portion of the assembled gathering where the transit is merely incidental to a point-to-point operation unrelated to the assembly.

 

There are several other changes and modifications which merit review by unmanned aircraft operators and management.