7. OAS inspectors will coordinate with the FAA to ensure airworthiness criterion has been approved if required. OAS inspectors will then issue an OAS 36A/36B for UAS aircraft. J. Radio Frequencies: Radio frequencies to be used will be coordinated with the bureau’s Radio Office and the FAA and be included in the COA application. K. Cooperator Aircraft: This could include work with universities, other governmental agencies such as the Department of Defense, or multiple agency collaborative projects. Bureau involvement in these projects does not necessarily mean that the bureau has operational control; therefore it is important for field units to communicate with the bureau National Aviation Manager on all UAS projects to determine the extent of bureau responsibilities. UAS projects must have a COA (except those covered in paragraph 3c) and shall be obtained by the agency having operational control. Even if the COA is not requested by DOI (i.e. another government agency), it must be coordinated with Bureau aviation personnel and OAS COA administrator. 1. Involvement in a UAS project but no operational control: DOI personnel collect data but do not own, operate, or participate directly in the UAS process. This will be handled similar to an end product contract, field units need only to advise the bureau aviation manager and DOI COA Administrator. However, because of the nature of the responsibilities associated with the COA application and approval process, the individual/organization with Operational Control must file the COA. 2. DOI has operational control but does not own or operate the UAS: Bureaus would follow the procedures to include the formulation of a Project Aviation Safety Plan (PASP) identifying all agencies involved in the project, outlining their responsibilities and level of involvement. Each project will be evaluated on its own merits of involvement, complexity, and standards of safety. Therefore, responsibilities will be determined on a case by case basis as determined by the bureau National Aviation Manager and DOI-OAS. 7. EXCEPTIONS, LIMITATIONS. Per 350 DM 1.9., Deviations from this OPM must be approved by the Director, Office of Aviation Services.
7. OAS inspectors will coordinate with the FAA to ensure airworthiness criterion has been approved if required. OAS inspectors will then issue an OAS 36A/36B for UAS aircraft. J. Radio Frequencies: Radio frequencies to be used will be coordinated with the bureau’s Radio Office and the FAA and be included in the COA application. K. Cooperator Aircraft: This could include work with universities, other governmental agencies such as the Department of Defense, or multiple agency collaborative projects. Bureau involvement in these projects does not necessarily mean that the bureau has operational control; therefore it is important for field units to communicate with the bureau National Aviation Manager on all UAS projects to determine the extent of bureau responsibilities. UAS projects must have a COA (except those covered in paragraph 3c) and shall be obtained by the agency having operational control. Even if the COA is not requested by DOI (i.e. another government agency), it must be coordinated with Bureau aviation personnel and OAS COA administrator. 1. Involvement in a UAS project but no operational control: DOI personnel collect data but do not own, operate, or participate directly in the UAS process. This will be handled similar to an end product contract, field units need only to advise the bureau aviation manager and DOI COA Administrator. However, because of the nature of the responsibilities associated with the COA application and approval process, the individual/organization with Operational Control must file the COA. 2. DOI has operational control but does not own or operate the UAS: Bureaus would follow the procedures to include the formulation of a Project Aviation Safety Plan (PASP) identifying all agencies involved in the project, outlining their responsibilities and level of involvement. Each project will be evaluated on its own merits of involvement, complexity, and standards of safety. Therefore, responsibilities will be determined on a case by case basis as determined by the bureau National Aviation Manager and DOI-OAS. 7. EXCEPTIONS, LIMITATIONS. Per 350 DM 1.9., Deviations from this OPM must be approved by the Director, Office of Aviation Services.
DOI%20and%20BLM%20policies%20on%20UAS.docx