A new FAA‑aligned checklist outlines the requirements for public safety organisations operating actively tethered unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) under Section 926 of the FAA’s 2024 Reauthorization Act. The document clarifies eligibility, aircraft standards, operational limitations and airspace rules to ensure compliant, safe deployment of tethered drones by police, fire, EMS and other authorised public‑safety entities.
Key Requirements
Public Safety Eligibility
Only organisations whose primary mission involves safeguarding the public, such as law enforcement, fire departments and emergency medical services, qualify to operate under this statutory authority.
Registration & Remote ID
All drones, regardless of weight, must be FAA‑registered and externally marked, and they must transmit Remote ID. Operators must update registration records with the Remote ID serial number.
Aircraft Technical Criteria
To qualify, the tethered sUAS must:
- Weigh 55 lbs or less (excluding the tether).
- Be physically attached via a taut, load‑rated tether powering the aircraft.
- Be controlled and retrieved using the tether’s ground station.
- Retain safe flight control during failures.
- Automatically conduct a controlled landing if the tether separates.
