Small Unmanned Aircraft: Unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds on takeoff, including everything that is on board or
otherwise attached to the aircraft.
Small Unmanned Aircraft System (Small UAS): Unmanned aircraft and its associated elements (including communication
links and the components that control the small unmanned aircraft) that are required for the safe and efficient operation of the
small unmanned aircraft in the national airspace system.
Declaration of Compliance: A record submitted to the FAA that certifies the small unmanned aircraft conforms to the
Category 2 or Category 3 requirements under subpart D of this part.
Category 4 operations require an airworthiness certificate issued under 14 CFR 21 and be operated in accordance with the
operating limitations specified in the approved Flight Manual or as otherwise specified by the Administrator. The operating
limitations must not prohibit operations over human beings located inside moving vehicles.
The aircraft must be a small UAS (less than 55 pounds), operated within visual line of sight, and operated below 400' AGL, and
avoid controlled airspace, and avoid flying over people and certain types of property.
Otherwise, the UAS must comply with 14 CFR 135.
Heavy Lift UAS Drone Certification
USAC provides support for obtaining an FAA air carrier certificate for heavy lift UAS (MTOW greater than 55 pounds) and any of the following operational specs:
Maximum operating altitude greater than 400 feet AGL.
Operations that carry hazardous materials.
Operations beyond visual line of sight.
Operations over people or vehicles.
Operations in controlled airspace.
Operations for hire.
Requirements to operate a heavy lift UAS :
The UAS must have an FAA issued airworthiness certificate.
The UAS Operator must have the following:
Air carrier certificate issued in accordance with 14 CFR 119 and 14 CFR 135.
FAA approved/accepted:
General Operations Manual
Company Training Manual
Hazmat Operations and Training Manual
General Maintenance Manual (if MTOW greater than 750 pounds)
Minimum Equipment List
Anti Drug and Alcohol Program
Operations Specifications
Aircraft compliant with 14 CFR 21 or 14 CFR 23; and, 14 CFR 135
Pilots that are trained and qualified
Director of Operations, Director of Maintenance, and Chief Pilot that meet the 119.69 and 119.71 requirements.
Aircraft and liability insurance that meets the minimum requirements..
Additional manuals, recordkeeping, and items deemed necessary by the Administrator.