Would Cover Both Delivery And Air Taxi Services

The U.S. Department of Transportation has posted a notification in the Federal Register laying out procedures for companies that would like to  seek an air taxi operator exemption allowing them to hold economic authority from the DOT to engage in certain air transportation operations with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

According to the notice, companies proposing to operate UAS to engage in air transportation, including the delivery of goods for compensation, must first obtain certificate or exemption authority from the Department prior to engaging in the air transportation. The Department intends to use its existing regulatory procedures for processing UAS operators’ requests for economic authority.

According to DOT regulations, such an air carrier must be a citizen of the U.S., maintain proper liability insurance, and register with the department. The exemption is not available to air carriers that operate ‘‘large’’ aircraft.

For UAS operators looking to transport goods for compensation, an exemption under part 298 is an appropriate form of economic authority. The Department will consider whether granting the exemption is appropriate based on the specific facts and circumstances of each proposed operation.

To become an air taxi operator, operators must submit a registration application and a current aircraft liability insurance certificate. A stamped OST Form 4507 with an effective date will be sent to the operator as confirmation of its approved air taxi registration with the Department.

Air taxi operators in Alaska must register with the FAA's Alaskan regional headquarters. All others must submit the application to FAA headquarters in Washington, D.C.

FMI: Federal Register notice