Orange County sheriff's office asks county attorney to seek FAA authorization to expand drone operations

The Orange County Sheriff's Office requested that the county attorney send a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration asking for a Certificate of Authorization so the office can operate small unmanned aircraft systems beyond visual line of sight and for limited operations over people.

The request was presented by Michael Cash, identified in the meeting as a chief deputy for the sheriff’s office. Cash told the board the office currently operates five outdoor small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS) and two tactical drones, and that all pilots hold FAA Part 107 certifications. He said the COA would let crews conduct missions the current Part 107 rules prohibit, including certain beyond-visual-line-of-sight searches in wooded areas and limited flights over people during critical incidents.

The COA request matters because it would expand the sheriff’s capacity for search-and-rescue, tactical reconnaissance and fire-rescue support. “Hoping that you will ask the county attorney to present a letter on our behalf…