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(NEW) FAA Operational Waiver Process

Clayton Brown

Last edited 2 days ago by Clayton Brown.

FAA Drone Zone

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FAADroneZone Access - Home

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(NEW) FAA Aviation Safety Hub

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Office of Aviation Safety Certification and Evaluation Portal

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FAA Aviation Safety Hub

Sign In / Register For An Account

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Step 1: Create a
Login.gov
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account

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Fig. 1: Start Screen (Press Either Button)

Fig. 1: Start Screen (Press Either Button)

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Fig. 2: Populated Screen -- Press Create an Account

Fig. 2: Populated Screen -- Press Create an Account

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Fig. 3: Enter your Email Address

Fig. 3: Enter your Email Address

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Fig. 4: Check your email

Fig. 4: Check your email

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Fig. 5: Press Link

Fig. 5: Press Link

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Fig. 6: Create a Strong Password

Fig. 6: Create a Strong Password

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Fig. 7: Create an Authentication method

Fig. 7: Create an Authentication method

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Fig. 8: Authentication "App" Method Prompts

Fig. 8: Authentication "App" Method Prompts

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Fig. 9: Enter Phone Number

Fig. 9: Enter Phone Number

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Fig. 10: Enter one-time code

Fig. 10: Enter one-time code

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Fig. 11: Verifying your Identity (Required Materials)

Fig. 11: Verifying your Identity (Required Materials)

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Fig. 12: Verifying your Identity (Steps)

Fig. 12: Verifying your Identity (Steps)

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Fig. 12: Sending link to phone

Fig. 12: Sending link to phone

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Fig. 13: Check Phone for Instructions

Fig. 13: Check Phone for Instructions

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Fig. 14: Enter your personal SSN

Fig. 14: Enter your personal SSN

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Fig. 15: Verify your Information

Fig. 15: Verify your Information

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Fig. 15: Sending Code to Phone

Fig. 15: Sending Code to Phone

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Fig. 16: Enter Code from Phone

Fig. 16: Enter Code from Phone

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Fig. 17: Re-enter your Login.gov password

Fig. 17: Re-enter your Login.gov password

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Fig. 18: Save your "personal key"

Fig. 18: Save your "personal key"

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Fig. 19: Press "Agree and Continue"

Fig. 19: Press "Agree and Continue"

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Fig. 20: Personal Account View

Fig. 20: Personal Account View

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Step 2: Associate your
Login.gov
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account with your MyAccess profile (one-time only)

How to link your MyAccess profile

Navigate to

https://migrate.myaccess.faa.gov

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Fig. 1: Press "Sign in with MyAccess"

Fig. 1: Press "Sign in with MyAccess"

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Fig. 2: Enter Created Account Email

Fig. 2: Enter Created Account Email

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Fig. 3: Press "Agree and Continue"

Fig. 3: Press "Agree and Continue"

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Fig. 4: Account MUST be "Linked" before proceeding to Step 3!!!

Fig. 4: Account MUST be "Linked" before proceeding to Step 3!!!

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Step 3: Use your
Login.gov
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account when prompted

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Fig. 1: "Login.gov" Sign-in page -- Press "Sign in with Login.gov"

Fig. 1: "Login.gov" Sign-in page -- Press "Sign in with Login.gov"

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Fig. 2: Press "Continue"

Fig. 2: Press "Continue"

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Fig. 3: Error 400 may or may not populate (Good Thing!!!)

Fig. 3: Error 400 may or may not populate (Good Thing!!!)

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Fig. 4: Go back to "Office of Aviation Safety Certification and Evaluation Portal" and Press "Sign In"

Fig. 4: Go back to "Office of Aviation Safety Certification and Evaluation Portal" and Press "Sign In"

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Fig. 4:

Office of Aviation Safety Certification and Evaluation Portal

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Fig. 5: Dashboard -- Press "Go" under 'Complete Profile' and Follow Prompts

Fig. 5: Dashboard -- Press "Go" under 'Complete Profile' and Follow Prompts

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Fig. 6: Account is Successfully Setup!!! Congratulations!!!

Fig. 6: Account is Successfully Setup!!! Congratulations!!!

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Explore Certifications

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Explore Certifications

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List of CFR Certifications

Part 135 - Air Carrier and Operator Certificate

This certification applies to air carriers and commercial operators engaged in common carriage conducting on-demand and/or commuter operations.

Part 135 has special considerations relative to aircraft type and size (payload and passenger seat configuration). Before starting the certification process, applicants for a 135 Air Carrier or Operating certificate must determine the type, kind, and scope of operations they wish to conduct. Applicants must understand requirements for these operations and familiarize themselves with the certification process to make informed decisions before submitting their certification request.

Part 141 - Pilot Flight/Ground Training Schools

This certification applies to pilot schools that meet the requirements of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 141.

Unlike pilot training that schools conduct based on 14 CFR Part 61 requirements, Part 141 pilot schools are required to use a structured training program and syllabus. Additionally, a Part 141 certificate enables schools to offer students the possibility of reduced flight time requirements for certifications. Part 141 pilot schools require dedicated training facilities, flight instructor oversight, and FAA-approved course curricula. Colleges and universities, which may offer aviation degrees, that offer aviation degrees often provide pilot training under Part 141.

Part 145 - Repair Station Certificate

This certification applies to the operation of 14 CFR 145 Repair Stations, detailing the requirements for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities to ensure that aircraft and aeronautical products meet safety and airworthiness criteria.

Part 145 describes how to obtain a repair station certificate from the FAA. It contains the rules a certificated repair station must follow related to its performance of maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations of an aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, or component part to which part 43 applies. It applies to any person who holds, or is required to hold, a repair station certificate issued under part 145. The regulation details the need for a formal application, proper facilities, equipment, materials, technical data, and qualified personnel. The regulation mandates that repair stations must employ personnel with the appropriate qualifications, certifications, and experience to perform maintenance tasks, and it requires that supervisors and inspectors possess the necessary expertise to ensure that they perform work according to safety standards.

Part 147 - Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) Certificate

This certification applies to the operation of Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools (AMTS), establishing the curriculum, facilities, and instructional standards necessary to train students for careers in aircraft maintenance and repair.

Part 147 specifies the conditions that an AMTS must meet to receive a certificate from the FAA, including the need for a comprehensive curriculum, a quality control system, qualified instructors, and appropriate facilities, equipment, and materials.

Part 121 - Air Carrier Certificate

This certification applies to air carriers and commercial operators engaged in common carriage conducting domestic, flag, and/or supplemental operations.

Part 121 applicants must understand requirements for these operations and familiarize themselves with the certification process to make informed decisions before submitting their certification request.

Explore Waivers

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Explore Waivers

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List of Waivers

Part 107 - Waivers for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Waivers allow operators to request FAA approval for certain operations that are otherwise prohibited under Part 107, such as flying at night, over people, or beyond visual line of sight.

Part 107 establishes requirements for remote pilot certification, operational limits, and safety measures for commercial and governmental drone operations. Waivers permit deviations from these rules when the applicant can demonstrate the operation can be conducted safely with mitigations in place. Common waiver types include operations at night, operations over people, and beyond visual line of sight. Applicants must submit safety justifications, mitigation strategies, and supporting documentation for FAA review.

Waiver Application Process

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Part 107 Dashboard View -- Waiver Application

Part 107 Dashboard View -- Waiver Application

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Part 107 Waiver -- Apply

Part 107 Waiver -- Apply

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Create Part 107 - Operational Waivers (APP-312)

Waivable Regulations

While Part 107 allows flexibility for many sUAS operations, certain activities require specific FAA authorization through an operational waiver. These waivers permit a pilot to operate outside the standard rules when safety can be maintained through sufficient proven mitigations.

Below are the Part 107 provisions that may be waived:

§ 107.25 – Operation from a Moving Vehicle or Aircraft Generally prohibits operating an sUAS from a moving land or water vehicle unless over a sparsely populated area. A waiver can allow operation from moving platforms in more populated areas, enabling activities such as filming from a moving boat or vehicle with appropriate safety measures.

§ 107.29(a)(2) and (b) – Operation at Night Limits operations at night and/or civil twilight to RPICs with training and UAs with anti-collision lighting. A waiver may allow operations without required lighting if acceptable mitigations and night-specific operational procedures are implemented.

§ 107.31 – Visual Line of Sight Aircraft Operation Requires unaided visual contact with the sUAS at all times. A waiver can permit beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations when alternative methods, such as onboard detect-and-avoid systems or radar tracking, ensure situational awareness and collision avoidance.

§ 107.33 – Visual Observer Only applicable if visual observers (VOs)are used in the operation. Sets communication, line of sight, and coordination requirements. A waiver may permit alternative methods for maintaining situational awareness without constant VO communication, or operations without a VO, where normally required.

§ 107.35 – Operation of Multiple Small UAS Allows operations of only one sUA per pilot, at a time. A waiver may authorize simultaneous operation of multiple sUA by one pilot for applications like drone light shows, agricultural surveys, or large-scale mapping, when automation and monitoring systems mitigate risk and ensure safety.

§ 107.37(a) – Operation Near Aircraft; Right-of-Way Rules Requires sUAS to yield to all other aircraft. A waiver may allow operations in closer proximity to manned aircraft in controlled scenarios, such as coordinated flights with helicopters for cinematography.

§ 107.39 – Operation Over Human Beings Prohibits flying over people who are not participating in the operation, unless UAS meets specific Remote ID and Category 1–4 requirements. A waiver can allow operations over people with mitigations like protective equipment, parachutes, and/or operational containment.

§ 107.51(a) – Operating Limitations: Groundspeed Limits sUAS groundspeed to 87 knots (100 mph). A waiver may permit higher speeds for specialized activities like high-speed racing or filming, if risks from control, reaction time, and collision avoidance are addressed.

§ 107.51(b) – Operating Limitations: Altitude Restricts altitude to 400 feet AGL, or higher if within 400 feet of a structure. A waiver may allow higher operations for specialized activities such as mapping, surveying, or research, provided navigable airspace conflicts are mitigated.

§ 107.51(c) – Operating Limitations: Minimum Visibility Requires at least three statute miles of visibility. A waiver can allow flight in lower-visibility conditions, such as fog, if compensating measures like enhanced lighting, tracking systems, or operational restrictions are in place.

§ 107.51(d) – Operating Limitations: Minimum Distance from Clouds Requires specified distances from clouds. A waiver may permit operations closer to clouds, often for atmospheric research or weather monitoring, when mitigations address reduced visibility risks.

§ 107.145 – Operations Over Moving Vehicles Prohibits flying over people who are in moving vehicles unless specific conditions are met. A waiver can allow expanded operations for activities such as filming parades or traffic scenes, with measures like protective enclosures, parachutes, and/or controlled flight paths.

Application Requirements

To obtain a Part 107 operational waiver, applicants must provide sufficient detail for the FAA to determine that the proposed operation can be conducted safely. The burden of proof is on the applicant to show that hazards have been identified, and risks mitigated to an acceptable level.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a current Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating issued under 14 CFR Part 107.

Operations must involve small UAS weighing less than 55 pounds at takeoff, including payload.

Foreign-registered or foreign-operated small UAS are considered “foreign civil aircraft” and require separate authorization from the Department of Transportation’s Office of the Secretary before applying for a waiver.

Required Information — A waiver application should include:

Detailed Operation Description – Provide a complete description of the planned operation, including its purpose, location, and operational parameters (altitude, speed, environment), as well as points of contact for the operation.

For certain waiver types (e.g., operations over people), applicants must provide the make, model, and series of the small UAS to be used.

CONOPS and Supporting Documentation – Include a Concept of Operations (CONOPS) document outlining the operational approach, along with any supporting materials such as safety manuals, equipment specifications, or procedures relevant to the waiver request.

Waiver Safety Explanation Guidelines – Describe how the operation can be conducted safely, by addressing each of the Waiver Safety Explanation Guidelines (WSEGs) and Guiding Questions for the appropriate regulation(s) and supplying supporting evidence or analysis documentation where applicable.

Hazard Identification and Risk Mitigation – Identify potential hazards and risks associated with the operation, determine which regulation(s) listed in 107.205 will require a waiver, and describe the specific mitigations that will be implemented to reduce those hazards and risks to an acceptable level.

Timeframe

The FAA recommends submitting a waiver request at least 90 days before the intended start date. While the FAA strives to review applications within this period, complex operations may require additional review time and additional data.

Application Process/Resources

To begin Part 107 operational waiver request, applicants can click Begin Application below. The system will guide you through each step. After completing all sections, you will have an opportunity to review your application before submission. Once submitted, you will receive an on-screen confirmation with your application ID and will be able to track the status of your application through the applicant portal, as well as receive notifications of any changes to your application.