How to Obtain: a 44807 Exemption

To fly an unmanned aircraft that exceeds the maximum weight limit of Part 107 (55lbs) (or if your mission includes another non-waiverable rule) you may apply for an exemption in accordance with 14 CFR Part 11 and the Congressional authority granted in: 

“Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Systems 49 U.S.C. §44807”

Additional information from the FAA

Before Submitting your Petition you will need:

• Designated RPIC, who holds a current 107 certificate
• Registration Number for at least 1 UAS to be used with the exemption
• Definition of your business as an individual, corporation, LLC. ETC.

To support your petition you will need to prepare several documents:

1. Concept of operations
2. Operations Manual
3. Emergency Procedures
4. Safety Risk Analysis
5. Training Standards
6. Maintenance Standards
7. Checklists

Once you have defined your operation, determined which statutes you will request relief from, and prepared your supporting documentation you're now ready to write your petition.

The petition will need to describe every aspect of your operation including which provisions you request relief from, why this relief is necessary, and HOW an equivalent level of safety is maintained.

(If this sounds like too much to handle, consider purchasing our Regulations Package - we'll prepare ALL of this for you!)

Once all your Documents are prepared, go to the Docket Management System

From there you'll create an account, upload your petition, and submit!

For a step by step, see the FAA Visual Guide

Once submitted, Petitions are usually resolved within 120 days

In some cases, you may be contacted for additional information. (So keep an eye out for emails from the FAA!)

Once your petition has been approved, you'll receive a notice by email and the docket will be updated with your petition's status.