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The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | April 2025
The nationwide DFR Working Group has had a significant influence on this process. If interested in joining, send an email to Charles @ droneresponders. org.
Forms required to be sent to email address above:
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DAA Technology Form( if going over 200’) |
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Sample PSO letter |
• Questionnaire / Checklist |
FAA issues first Part of 107 Drone as a First Responder Waiver As of 12 / 09 / 2024
The FAA issued its first Part 107 Drone as a First Responder( DFR) Waiver without the need for a Visual Observer to the Fort Wayne, Indiana Police Department. This milestone allows public safety agencies to apply for DFR waivers through the Part 107 process via the FAA DroneZone in Class G airspace.
To qualify, aircraft must include specific safety features based on their weight, such as prop guards or parachutes, anti-collision lights, and ADS-B in receivers. These waivers permit operations up to 200 feet above ground level or 200 feet above the highest obstacle.
For operations at higher altitudes, agencies must employ additional detection technologies and submit a spate widearea waiver for controlled airspace approvals.
Public Safety Shielded Operations Waiver now Available As of 11 / 14 / 2024
The FAA has introduced the Public Safety Shielded Operations Waiver, a significant advancement similar to the Tactical BVLOS Waiver. Unlike the Tactical Waiver, this new option can be applied for through Part 107 in the FAA Drone- Zone and is available to all public safety organizations, regardless of their governmental status.
This waiver enables up to one mile of Beyond Visual Line of Sight( BVLOS) operations and is not restricted to emergency mission. For more details on how to apply, refer to the newly released Public Safety Shielded Operations Waiver Guide dated 11 / 14 / 2024.
Experimental DFR Waiver paves way for future approvals As of 10 / 14 / 2024
The FAA granted its first experimental waiver to allow Drone as a First Responder( DFR) operations without a Visual Observer, utilizing radar, ADS-B in and optical detection technologies. This waiver was awarded to the Campbell, California Police Department.
The FAA will review data from this experimental waiver over the coming months to evaluate system performance. Findings from this trial will help shape the replication process for future applicants seeking similar waivers.
These updates signal the FAA’ s commitment to advancing drone technology in public safety. Stay tuned for further developments and guidance on how agencies can leverage these new opportunities.
About the Author Chief Charles Werner is a 47-year veteran of public safety. He served 37 years with the Charlottesville( Virginia) Fire Department, retiring as fire chief. During his career, he served two years as a reserve deputy with the Albemarie County Sheriff’ s Office. Charles presently serves as director of DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Alliance, is a member of the International Public Safety Association’ s UAS Committee, is chair of the Virginia Secure Commonwealth UAS Sub Panel, is an FAA-certified remote pilot, and is a member of the IACP Aviation Committee and APSA. Charles was recognized as Homeland Security Today Magazine’ s Person of Year in 2019 for his work on public safety drone programs.
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