UAS are aerial vehicles and associated equipment that do not transport a human operator, but are piloted remotely or flown autonomously. UAS are commonly known as unmanned aerial systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), and drones. Currently, both the Federal Government and the State of Florida have established regulations for the operation of the UAS, using U.S. codes and federal regulations at the federal level and by law at the state level.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) focuses primarily on security, while Florida's statutes focus on the proper use of the UAS and the protection of privacy. While the FAA and Florida play important roles in providing guidance and regulation for the operations and administration of the UAS, it's important to note that other users also play important roles. As such, airports, law enforcement, pilots and UAS operators also have important responsibilities in the safe and proper operation of the UAS within the National Airspace System (NAS). The following sections provide an overview of the various regulations and responsibilities in relation to each UAS operating entity.
FAA B4UFLY smartphone app Under the most current regulations, there are numerous ways in which a UAS operator can fly. All users can operate under the Small UAS Rule, part 107, with additional specific requirements for operations for those who fly for work or for fun. The different types of users are described below. Use the UAS in plain sight at all times (Articles 334 and 336 P, L).
Regardless of the FDOT, the rules for UAS operators are provided in chapters 330,41, 330,411 and 934,50, F, S. An airport is responsible for ensuring the safety of airport facilities and for managing airport land, buildings and infrastructure. Airports must understand the rules and regulations related to UAS operations in and around their airports and coordinate with the FAA and FDOT to ensure the safety of airport operations. Airports must notify local law enforcement and the FAA if an unauthorized UAS is used in the vicinity of the airport.
Local law enforcement responsibility Local law enforcement agencies are responsible for enforcing laws and regulations when it comes to UAS operations. If a UAS operator is suspected of violating FAA regulations, local law enforcement agencies (LEAs) are advised to follow instructions D, R, O, N, E. Pilots are responsible for operating aircraft, including UAS, safely and are ultimately responsible for the route and operation of aircraft in the sky and on the ground. Pilots must understand the rules and regulations of the UAS and report any improper use or operation.
Use the FAA's “I Fly Safe UAS” safety checklist here. The community must understand the rules and regulations related to airports and aircraft. Know the roles and responsibilities of those involved in aviation (the FAA, airports, airlines, pilots, etc.). Community members should know the location of airports in their area and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate agencies.
The FDOT airport directory lists the owner, manager, and contact information for all public and private use facilities in Florida. You can find the link to download the directory, as well as a map of Florida's public-use aviation facilities, here. Providing timely responses to inquiries from the press, government officials and the public is a critical function of the Florida Department of Transportation. You can find recent press releases, public announcements, media contacts, links to our social media pages and newsroom.
Unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as “drones”, constitute a rapidly growing sector of the aerospace industry. The “UAS” is a system that includes the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), as well as elements such as the operator and the control system. Exponent has performed analyses of many systems and has experience with performance, faults, and regulations related to the UAS. An unmanned aircraft system (UAS) is an unmanned aircraft (UA) with the associated support equipment, control station, data links, telemetry, communications, and navigation equipment needed to operate it.
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are comprised of both the UA and the systems needed to operate the aircraft. .