Transcription of Sample Certificate of Authorization Application Components
1 Sample Certificate of Authorization Application Components Aircraft System Description o Picture o Airframe Dimensions o Power source Electric, internal combustion, etc. o Weight (Gross Takeoff Weight) o Avionics o Performance Endurance Range Speed Operating altitude Turing radius Climb/decent rates Airworthiness statement and documentation Communications Pilot/operator to aircraft Pilot/operator to observers Communication within the airspace o Air Traffic Control procedures and frequencies o Local airspace frequencies Video/data o FCC approved frequencies o Ranges Operational communications range Backup communication o Radios o Cell phones/landlines Ground Control Station Description o Picture o Capabilities o Setup and operations Frequency management FCC approved equipment Range ConOps, Emergency Procedures, and Risk Mitigation Identify, control, and document potential hazards (examples) o Human factors o Machine o Media o Management o Mission Assess the risks (examples)
2 O Weather induced flight cancelation or termination o Lost communication o Loss of payload o Aircraft fire Analyze risk control measures (examples) o Mishap notification o Access and contact procedures to fire and rescue o Programmed procedure for lost link Make control decisions Implementation of risk controls Review and improvement process Flight Operations Area COA Location o Boundary points (or center point if circular) recorded in coordinates Launch and Recovery Points o Launch and Recovery points recorded in coordinates Lost Link/Rally Point o Lost Link/Rally points recorded in coordinates Description of airspace class(es) (A, C, D, E, or G) for proposed operations and surrounding area Map and/or aeronautical chart depicting the flight operations in relation to ground references and airspace o VFR Chart o Aerial image ( Google Earth/Maps) Show COA area with boundaries clearly marked Show planned launch, recovery, and rally points FAA coordination and concept of operations plan (Flight Standards District Office, Air Traffic Control Tower, etc.)
3 Planned nominal flight operations in proposed airspace Altitude (minimum and maximum) Security for crew Launch and Recovery Primary/planned launch and recovery location(s) Launch and recovery checklists and procedures Vertical Takeoff and Landing or Fixed Wing launch and recovery methods o Launch (examples) Hand held Rail Catapult Support vehicles/equipment Weather limits o Recovery (examples) Net Grass Weather limits Landing speed Lost Communications Return to Base (RTB) procedures Lost communication between pilot and Air Traffic Controlers Lost communication between pilot and observers Lost Link Mission Internal navigation systems failure Control systems failure Low/lost battery Length of time to identify lost link Procedure to re establish link Procedure if link is not re established Platform actions if link is lost Notification procedures in the event of lost link Operator (Pilot) and Visual Observers Crew qualifications o Pilot certifications o Aircraft currency o Required currency of medicals o Platform training and currency Crew resource management (CRM) approach Communications and coordination for operations Provision for UAS operations (single platform at a time)
