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Services

Section 44807 Exemption

Operating a commercial drone that weighs more than 55 pounds requires a specialized approval from the FAA known as a Section 44807 Grant of Exemption. Obtaining that approval requires a comprehensive safety case demonstrating that the proposed operation will achieve a level of safety equivalent to that required by the Federal Aviation Regulations. 

 

Airspace Consulting specializes in building professional, FAA-compliant documentation based on decades of aviation experience. We take a systematic approach to operational safety that streamlines the FAA approval process. Our complete document preparation services include:

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  • FAA Petition for Exemption

  • Unmanned Aircraft Flight Manual (UFM)

  • Flight Operations Procedures Manual (FOPM)

  • Concept of Operations (CONOPS)

  • Operational Risk Assessment (ORA)

  • Maintenance Manual (MM)

 

Our documentation is developed specifically for FAA certification and defines operational responsibilities, demonstrates risk mitigation, and presents a comprehensive safety case. Airspace Consulting will be your trusted guide through the FAA certification process—from concept to operational approval.

Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operations (AAOC)

Conducting aerial application activities to dispense pesticides, fertilizers, or seeds from an unmanned aircraft, requires a federal Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate (AAOC). Since aerial applicating drones weigh over 55 pounds, the first step in the process is to obtain a Section 44807 grant of exemption. Our experience preparing FAA exemption documentation will create a certification package that demonstrates operational readiness and a systematic approach to safety. Once the exemption is granted, Form 8710-3 must be submitted to activate your legal status as an aerial applicator.

 

While the FAA regulates the aircraft and the airspace, state governments regulate the actual chemicals and application practices.  Operators must obtain a commercial pesticide applicator license with a specific "aerial" or "unmanned" category endorsement from your state’s Department of Agriculture. Additionally, many states require specialized chemical drift liability insurance and separate state-level agricultural aviation licenses. 

 

Whether transitioning from conventional aerial application to unmanned aircraft or establishing a new agricultural drone operation, Airspace Consulting provides practical guidance and professional documentation to help clients successfully navigate the FAA certification process.

Special Airworthiness Certificate (SAC)

​Developing and testing advanced unmanned aircraft systems requires a distinct regulatory path. If you are a manufacturer, developer, or operator pushing the boundaries of drone technology, a Special Airworthiness Certificate (SAC) from the FAA. This certificate authorizes flight operations for research and development, crew training, market surveys, and exhibition flights. 

 

To achieve certification, a detailed flight manual, comprehensive risk management strategies, and a rigid maintenance control plan, must be developed to ensure the safety of flight. Airspace Consulting has the experience in creating an operational framework that demonstrates sound flight procedures, risk management, maintenance control, and continued airworthiness for successful certification.

 

Whether supporting early flight testing of a new aircraft design or preparing for future operational approvals, Airspace Consulting provides practical guidance and professional documentation to help clients successfully navigate the FAA special airworthiness certification process.

Type Certification (TC)

Type Certification (TC) represents one of the most significant advancements in the integration of unmanned aircraft into the National Airspace System. It is the FAA's approval of an aircraft's design, systems, and airworthiness, establishing that the aircraft complies with the applicable certification standards for its intended operation.

 

Airspace Consulting has supported applicants pursuing FAA UAS Type Certification and understands the technical, operational, and documentation challenges associated with this highly specialized certification process. While every certification program is unique, success depends on demonstrating not only aircraft performance and reliability, but also the maturity of the supporting operational, maintenance, and safety documentation.

 

Our experience developing technical manuals, operational procedures, safety documentation, and certification support materials enable manufacturers to present clear, organized, and technically sound documentation throughout the certification process.

 

As unmanned aircraft continue to evolve toward advanced operations—including beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), package delivery, and other complex commercial applications—Type Certification will play an increasingly important role in enabling safe and scalable integration into the National Airspace System.

 

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