514 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 30-37

Chapter 33: Uncrewed Aircraft

The primary aim of this chapter is to establish comprehensive guidelines for the safe operation and management of uncrewed aircraft within specified frameworks.

Workers performing maintenance on UAV unmanned aerial vehicle

This chapter focuses on guidelines for the safe operation and management of uncrewed aircraft.

The chapter underscores the importance of adhering to FAA regulations, Army safety programs, and specific training and qualification requirements for personnel involved in uncrewed aircraft operations.

It also emphasizes the need for detailed mission planning, risk assessments, and adherence to cybersecurity protocols for uncrewed aircraft systems. It mandates coordination with aviation authorities and the implementation of safety measures to ensure the protection of personnel and the integrity of operations, highlighting the roles and responsibilities of various designated personnel in achieving operational safety and compliance.

33-1. References.

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 33-1.

33-1. References.

a.  AR 95-1, Flight Regulations (https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/AR.aspx)  (33-1.a)

b.  AR 95-20, Contractor Flights and Ground Operations (https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/AR.aspx)  (33-1.b)

c.  AR 385-10, Army Safety Program (https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/AR.aspx) (33-1.c)

d.  FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 2G: 5370-2G, Operational Safety on Airports During Construction https://www.faa.gov/airports/resources/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.curre nt/documentNumber/150_5370-2)  (33-1.d)

e.  FAA, FAA-H-8083-2, Risk Management Handbook (https://www.faasafety.gov/files/gslac/courses/content/62/740/FAA-H-8083-2.pdf) (33-1.e)

f.  FAR Clause 42.302(a)(56), Maintain Surveillance of Flight Operations (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-1996-title48-vol1/pdf/CFR-1996-title48-vol1- sec42-302.pdf)  (33-1.f)

g.  National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 848 FY2020 (https://www.congress.gov/116/crpt/hrpt333/CRPT-116hrpt333.pdf) (33-1.g)

h.  USACE HQ Aviation Policy Letter (APL) 95-1-1, USACE Aviation Policies and Standards (https://usace.dps.mil/sites/KMP-UAS)  (33-1.h)

i.  USACE Management Information System for Aviation & Remote Systems (MARS) (https://uas.sec.usace.army.mil)  (33-1.i)

j.  14 CFR 91, General Operating and Flight Rules (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title14-vol2/pdf/CFR-2020-title14-vol2- part91.pdf)  (33-1.j)

k.  14 CFR 107, Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title14-vol2/pdf/CFR-2020-title14-vol2- part107.pdf)  (33-1.k)

l.  36 CFR 327, Rules and Regulations Governing Public Use of Water Resource Development Projects Administered by the Chief of Engineers (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2011-title36-vol3/pdf/CFR-2011-title36-vol3- part327.pdf)  (33-1.l)

m.  49 USC 40102, Transportation (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2021-title49/pdf/USCODE-2021-title49- subtitleVII-partA-subparti-chap401-sec40102.pdf)  (33-1.m)

n.  49 USC 40125, Qualifications for Public Aircraft Status (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2011-title49/pdf/USCODE-2011-title49- subtitleVII-partA-subparti-chap401-sec40125.pdf)  (33-1.n)

33-2. Definitions.

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 33-2.

33-2. Definitions.

a.  Aircrew Training Program Manager (ATPM).  Individual designated in writing by the Commander/Director, with concurrence from the Aviation Program Manager (APM), who has delegated authority to implement and manage the Small Uncrewed Aircraft System (SUAS) program. (33-2.a)

b.  Air Mission. An approved flight, or series of flights, for a clearly defined task, purpose, and end-state.  (33-2.b)

c.  Air Mission Approval Authority (AMAA).  Individual approved by the APM and delegated authority by the Commander/Director to accept risk and approve missions. (33-2.c)

d.  Aviation Program Manager (APM).  Individual designated by the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), and delegated the authority by the Commanding General, USACE, to implement and oversee the USACE Aviation Program.  (33-2.d)

e.  Certificate of Authorization (COA).  An authorization issued by the Air Traffic Organization to a public operator for a specific uncrewed aircraft (UA) activity.  (33-2.e)

f.  Field Operating Activity (FOA).  All USACE Divisions, Districts, Labs, and Centers, as well as any other operational activity.  (33-2.f)

g.  Government Flight Representative (GFR).  (Required for Aircraft Flight and Ground Operations). A current or previously rated U.S. Military officer or previously rated Government civilian.  GFRs are appointed to perform the Contract Administration Services function, FAR Clause 42.302(a)(56).  (33-2.g)

h.  Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) Groups.  (33-2.h)

(1)  Group 1 UAS.  UAS typically less than 20 pounds in weight; normally operate below 1200 feet AGL) at speeds less than 250 knots.

(2)  Group 2 UAS.  UAS typically are in the 21 – 55-pound weight class; normally operate below 3500 feet AGL at speed less than 250 knots.

(3)  Group 3 UAS.  These UAS weigh more than 55 pounds, but less than 1320 pounds.  They normally operate below 18,000 feet mean sea level at speeds less than 250 knots.

i.  Management Information System for Aviation & Remote Systems (MARS).  A management information database that tracks equipment and personnel and assists in mission planning, approval, tracking, and archiving.  (33-2.i)

j.  Mission Briefing Officer (MBO).  MBOs interact with the mission crew to validate the flight plan, risk assessment, and risk mitigation measures for approval by the AMAA. (33-2.j)

k.  Mission Coordinator (MC).   MCs are the overall SUAS mission leader and operational authority. MCs are selected for their level of aviation proficiency, judgment, and communication skills.  The Remote Pilot (RP) is automatically the MC unless otherwise directed.  MC and RP duties may be performed simultaneously.  A single MC must be designated for missions involving more than one crew.  (33-2.k)

l.  Remote Pilot (RP).  The RP is responsible for safe mission execution and is the final authority for operating, servicing, and securing the UA.  RP is the base qualification for crewmembers, MBOs, and AMAAs.  (33-2.l)

m. Small Uncrewed Aircraft System (SUAS).  Group 1 or 2 remotely piloted aircraft, the associated control unit, antennas, and ancillary equipment.  The term SUAS applies when referring to the entire system.  (33-2.m)

n.  Trusted Agent (TA).  TAs are selected by the ATPM and appointed in writing by the APM (see figure 22 in APL 95-1-1), to validate the contractor’s SUAS fleet and periodically monitor flight operations for compliance with the cybersecurity rules outlined by DoD.  (33-2.n)

o.  Visual Observer (VO).  VOs are fully integrated crewmembers who attend and participate in the crew brief and debrief. VOs maintain visual contact with the UA and communicate its proximity to hazards, other aircraft, direction of travel, and location. (33-2.o)