Experimental UAS

The FAA issues Special Airworthiness Certifi­cates in the Experimental Category (SAC-EC) to civil operators of UAS and optionally piloted aircraft (OPA) for research and development, market survey, and crew training operations. This certificate does not extend to the carry­ing of persons or property for compensation or hire. The FAA has issued these certificates since 2005 to a limited number of applicants who work with the FAA to collect technical and operational data to improve the UAS certifica­tion process.

Public UAS

The FAA issues Certificates of Waiver or Autho­rization (COA) to public entities, including mili­tary, law enforcement, and other government agencies. These certificates are issued on a case – by-case basis for a limited period of time, usu­ally one year, and with restrictions for their use, such as the requirement for being transponder equipped.