Standard for Safety for Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Please note that the Title and Scope of this NOI was updated on September 12, 2017 as per a request from the responsible SDO.

1.1 These requirements cover the electrical system of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), as defined in this Standard, used in flight for commercial applications or flight incidental to business applications in accordance with U.S. Federal Regulation 14 CFR 107. UASs covered by these requirements are intended to be operated by remote pilots as identified in the Federal Regulations, where the UAS is less than 55 lbs (25 kg). The UAS is intended to be provided with an internal lithium ion battery that is charged from an external source. UASs are intended to have an operating voltage of not greater than 100 V dc, and are intended for outdoor operation. These requirements also cover the electrical shock, fire and explosion hazards associated with the inherent features of these UASs, as well as the battery and charger system combinations provided for recharging the UAS.

1.2 With reference to 1.1, flight for commercial applications is considered any operation where the UAS is intended for a specific use; which may include, but is not limited to, agricultural applications, scientific or research applications, government or local police applications, search and rescue applications, video applications for the film industry or news broadcasts, and the like. Flight incidental to business is a subset of commercial applications that may consist of roof inspections by insurance agents or construction workers, real estate photography, and the like.

1.3 This Standard does not cover:

a)     Model aircraft, or hobby use, UASs which are marketed to and intended to be operated by the general public

b)     The aspects of control associated with the human pilot (pilot error), UAS handling, contact or impact of the UAS with external objects, people or structures, or adverse weather conditions such as high winds that may affect operation;

c)     The ability of the UAS to correctly or adequately perform its intended operation;

d)     The ability of the UAS to land safely if the battery is discharged in flight;

e)     Any physiological effects associated with the use of UASs;

f)     Devices for use in hazardous (classified) locations, which are subject to additional requirements to mitigate risks of fire and explosion; or

g)     UASs used for any military or similar tactical operation.

h)     The efficacy of UAS communications or the effects of the loss of UAS communication during flight.

1.4 The requirements of this Standard do not consider Federal Regulations associated with the operation of commercial UASs. The operation of commercial UASs is intended to be in accordance with all Federal Regulations when the UAS is used in the field.