Wildfire Drone Operations in Temporary Flight Restriction Areas: Navigating the Special Government Interest Process
Drone technology has wiggled its way into just about everything from agriculture, to real estate, to Walmart delivery, and even wildfire management. While flying drones recreationally and for personal use is a relatively straightforward process, other more complex operations are shrouded in governmental rules and regulations, and for the most part, with good reason. Drones are powerful tools that can significantly increase efficiency within operations and cut down costs, but they also can operate in highly regulated airspace, among some much larger, much higher consequence aircraft.
In the dynamic and often hazardous world of wildfire management, drones have become an invaluable tool for monitoring and controlling the spread of fires. However, in the USA, operating drones in areas affected by wildfires comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to navigating Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs).
We explore how drone operators can efficiently obtain the necessary waivers and permissions to operate in TFR’s through the Special Government Interest Process (SGIP).
Understanding Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implements TFRs over areas affected by wildfires to protect the airspace and ensure the safety of firefighting aircraft. TFR’s are communicated using Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs). These restrictions mean that all aircraft, including drones, must obtain a waiver from the FAA to operate within the designated area. You can find all active TFR’s using FAA’s TFR List which you can filter by state. Typically, obtaining a waiver can take up to three months, but in emergency situations, this timeline is not practical.
The Special Governement Interest Process (SGIP)
To address the urgent need for drone operations during wildfire emergencies, the FAA has introduced the SGIP, which significantly reduces the time required to obtain a waiver. Under the SGIP, waivers can be obtained in a matter of hours, provided certain criteria are met.
Eligibility Criteria for SGIP Waivers:
The drone operator must have an established connection with the state forestry agency in the state where the TFR is published.
The operator must hold a Part 107 pilot certificate or an existing Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA).
The drone operation must support an emergency response or other efforts to address exigent circumstances that will benefit the public good.
The FAA approval cannot be secured via normal processes in time to meet urgent operational needs.
If all of the above criteria is met, the process for obtaining a SGIP waiver is:
Complete the Emergency Operation Request Form.
Forward the form to 9-ator-hq-sosc@faa.gov.
A separate request must be made for each TFR in which operations will occur.
Waiver requests may cover multiple dates for a single TFR.
Red Flag Warnings
Red Flag Warnings, issued by state forestry agencies, occur under specific conditions, where warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased fire risk. These warnings do not automatically result in a TFR. If a TFR is established in response to a Red Flag Warning, drone operators must follow the SGIP process to obtain a waiver. If you are contracted to fly in a Red Flag Warning area where no TFR has been established, the contracting agency must request a TFR from the FAA. When the TFR has been established, follow the above process.
Red flag warnings are issued when the following criteria are met:
1) Surface relative humidity (RH) less than 30 % for VA and MD; RH less than or equal to 25% for WV AND
2) Sustained surface wind of 20 MPH or greater AND
3) 10-hour fuel moisture less than 8% for VA; less than or equal to 8% for MD and WV
Navigating the complexities of TFRs and obtaining the necessary waivers for drone operations in wildfire areas can be challenging. However, by understanding the SGIP and meeting the eligibility criteria, drone operators can expedite the waiver process and contribute to the critical efforts in wildfire management. As always, safety and adherence to regulations are paramount in ensuring the effective use of drones in these emergency situations.
For more information on drone operations and how our Nova software can assist in mapping and monitoring wildfire-affected areas, visit our website or contact our team of experts. Stay informed, stay safe, and let’s work together to bring drone technology to the forefront of wildfire management.
Until next time,
Kasha + The Nova Team
