Operating Authority (ATO) and Its Functioning Mechanism

Operating Authority (ATO) and Its Functioning Mechanism

In the realm of drone technology, the Authority to Operate (ATO) is a crucial designation that ensures drone systems meet stringent safety, security, and operational standards before deployment. This article outlines the key steps involved in obtaining an ATO, with a focus on drone systems operating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).

Key Steps in Obtaining an ATO for a Drone System

1. Compliance with FAA Regulations:
2. Submit your drone system and operational plans to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for approval, ensuring adherence to applicable FAA rules such as Part 107 for commercial use.
3. For BVLOS operations, comply with the proposed FAA rules that include operating within FAA-approved airspace with defined boundaries and avoiding interference with manned aircraft or sensitive facilities (e.g., airports, heliports, eVTOL sites).
4. Safety and Operational Requirements:
5. Equip unmanned aircraft with necessary safety features like lighting and remote identification broadcast capabilities.
6. Implement an automated data service provider (ADSP) system approved by the FAA to maintain safe separation from other aircraft, following industry consensus standards.
7. Designate a flight operations supervisor and a flight coordinator for each mission. These roles require background and watchlist checks but do not require FAA-issued pilot certificates.
8. Security and Background Checks:
9. Undergo enhanced security threat assessments including criminal history, immigration, intelligence databases, and in-person verification at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) centers for personnel with access to the drone system.
10. Prepare for inspection readiness by FAA, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), or law enforcement, including keeping operator identification available for review on request.
11. Recordkeeping and Reporting:
12. Maintain detailed records covering maintenance, personnel training, mechanical issues, operational safety data, and configuration control.
13. Keep logs of any unplanned or precautionary landings, security breaches, failures of data service, or events causing property damage over $500, making them available for regulatory inspections.
14. Application and Review:
15. The FAA will review your application, including safety measures, operational procedures, training protocols, and security assessments.
16. The pilot certification requirements depend on operation type and may be waived for supervisors if other criteria are satisfied.
17. Upon satisfactory review, the FAA issues the ATO, permitting the specific drone operations under defined conditions.

Additional Notes

• Manufacturers are encouraged to meet industry consensus standards for the aircraft to avoid traditional FAA certification requirements.
• New FAA rules also require remote identification and real-time data services to enhance airspace safety and security management.

This structured approach ensures that drone systems, especially those operating BVLOS, meet stringent safety, security, and operational standards before deployment. The process is rigorous due to the potential risks associated with unmanned aerial operations in shared airspace.

If seeking an ATO tailored for military or government drone systems, additional Department of Defense (DoD)-specific compliance and approvals (e.g., NDAA-compliance, Blue UAS list) may apply, which involve separate certification routes aligned with defense requirements.

Obtaining an ATO can take weeks to months, depending on system complexity and agency requirements, especially for cybersecurity reviews. Developers submit documentation outlining the drone's architecture, data handling, software, and system risks during the pre-assessment phase for ATO.

Drones supporting tactical missions or surveillance for military agencies often require ATO approval before fielding. ATO stands for Authority to Operate, a designation granted by governing bodies like the FAA or defense agencies to drone systems that meet technical, cybersecurity, and operational standards.

The system undergoes operational testing before granting an ATO to confirm performance under authorized conditions. ATO is typically required for government and military use cases, not commercial drone operations. Systems with sensitive data links must pass security assessments to gain ATO.

Jacob Stoner, CEO of Flyeye.io, is a licensed commercial drone operator in Canada and has expertise in the drone industry. His keen interest lies in the potential societal impact of drone technology advancements. Drone manufacturers need an ATO to deploy UAVs in federal contracts, particularly for departments like the DoD or Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

For more information on drone-related acronyms, visit the Industries page. The article does not provide specific information about Dilution of Precision (DOP), Remotely Piloted Aircraft as a Service (RPAAS), UAV Middleware (UAVM), Full Operational Capability (FOC), Head of Global Flight Operations at Wing, or Detect and Recognize Identifier (DRI). Without an ATO, drone systems, especially those used in government or military settings, cannot legally operate. ATO approval ensures a drone platform is safe, secure, and compliant with data protection, communication protocols, and airspace regulations. Jacob Stoner is a highly respected figure within his local drone community and indulges his passion for videography during his leisure time.

1. To meet safety, security, and operational standards in data-and-cloud-computing for drone systems, particularly those operating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), it's essential to adhere to industry consensus standards, implement remote identification and real-time data services, and undergo enhanced security threat assessments.
2. In the realm of cybersecurity for drone technology, notably for military or government drone systems, additional Department of Defense (DoD)-specific compliance and approvals, such as NDAA-compliance and Blue UAS list, may apply, necessitating separate certification routes that focus on defense requirements.

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