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Public safety agencies are increasingly adopting drones for search & rescue, crime scene documentation, officer safety, and disaster response. Learn about costs, training, FAA rules, and how the upcoming Part 108 regulation will shape the future of public safety drone operations.

MAXSUR offers a free example public safety drone SOP manual, built from experience supporting 3,700+ drone systems. Download in Word or PDF and adapt for your agency’s FAA COA and UAS operations.

AVARE

This app is created by and for manned aviation, but it’s an excellent tool for drone pilots as well. In my travels, I find it invaluable for determining airspace in an unfamiliar area. As shown in the reference picture, I’m on the edge of CLASS E airspace and of course, that means I can use the full 400’ AGL and clear obstructions up to 700’ AGL. The included sectional charts are downloads, so you’ll still have your map in rural areas.

Along with sectional charts, you’ll get nearby airport details, METARS (weather reports), TFR’s...

In my daily visits with agencies across the country, I find the biggest source of confusion concerning the topic of drones is how to fly legally. My aim in this article is to help eliminate that confusion, and potentially save your agency thousands of dollars in consulting and training fees. To do so I’ve prepared a basic process and prepared some vital resources to make the job of being legal easy, and at worst…much easier than figuring it out on your own.

The Two Paths

Currently, there are two legal mechanisms provided by the FAA for drone operations. The most recent, Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is in lay terms a driver’s license for drones. The other is a COA...

Traditional surveillance vans are costly and easy to detect. Explore modern alternatives including drop cars, pole cameras, concealments, endurance drones, and satellite services from MAXSUR.