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SHERIFF’S OFFICE - Sheriff Dave Kain
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Requested Action(s)
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a) Request approval for the Board of Supervisors to authorize County Counsel to issue a Public Declaration Letter (PDL) to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stating the “County of Tehama requesting the PDL on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office”
b) Request approval and authorization from the Board of Supervisors to allow the County of Tehama on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office to apply for and obtain a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) regarding the operation of their Small Unmanned Aircraft System(s) (sUAS)
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Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact, the Sheriff’s Office has an encumbered agreement (252PA24) in place with Skyfire Consulting to provide the filing of the COA for the County.
Background Information:
Most commercial drone pilots work under Part 107 regulations, which are a set of rules established by the FAA governing the operation of sUAS. Part 107 regulations come with very strict limits. Part 107 operators must request waivers to fly at night, over people, or in restricted airspace. That process can take weeks or even months.
A COA allows drone operators to deviate from certain FAA regulations, enabling them to perform specific drone operations that would otherwise be prohibited. This includes operations like flying at night, over people, or in restricted airspace. Essentially, a COA grants permission for a particular drone operation under specific conditions, often for public safety.
A COA gives public agencies more operational flexibility. The Sheriff’s Office could self-certify their pilots, operate in controlled airspace, and respond faster to emergencies. While getting a COA is longer and more complex process than applying for a Part 107 license, it pays off when seconds matter.
The Sheriff's Office needs the Board of Supervisor’s approval and authorization for the COA. With this authorization, County Counsel would be able to issue a PDL to the FAA. Once the FAA accepts the PDL, this gives Skyfire Consulting the go ahead to apply for the COA. Skyfire would then apply for the COA through the FAA, which the FAA would sign.