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BLM advances UAS fleet transition and can now request TFRs over prescribed fires
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Summary
The BLM briefed a near-complete transition to a compliant UAS fleet, training plans for remote pilots, and a new ability to establish temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) over prescribed fires to enable expanded UAS operations — with emphasis on partner coordination and COA renewal.
The Bureau of Land Management is moving to a compliant UAS fleet and encouraged state and unit aviation managers to coordinate procurement, training, and mission requests ahead of the field season.
"By June, we will have completed our transition," Matt Dutton of the National Aviation Office said, describing delivery and training plans for 56 new systems (with about 56 legacy systems to be retired by year-end). The fleet mix referenced in the briefing includes smaller systems (Skydio X10), medium platforms (Astra), and heavier-lift systems (Alta X) for specialized aerial delivery.
Dutton said the bureau has about 65 current remote pilots credentialed on the new systems and asked state aviation managers to submit annual supplements by June to inform procurement and training plans for fiscal year 2026.
A significant operational change: the bureau can now establish temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) over prescribed fires, a tool that "allows us to do quite a bit more under the blanket of policy," Dutton said. Officials recommended that units seek TFRs when UAS operations are planned to protect airspace for coordinated operations and to enable some expanded mission profiles under the COA.
Outreach to partners was emphasized: local governments, volunteer fire departments, universities and other entities are increasingly fielding FAA-certified UAS programs, and early pre-season coordination is essential to deconflict airspace. The presenter cited NWCG/PMS standards as the baseline for safe operations and encouraged pre-season aviation coordination meetings.
Dutton also noted the department-level Certificate of Authorization (COA) managed by the Office of Aviation Services is under renewal (with an extension through April), and units should watch for the forthcoming COA to confirm authorized operations in TFRs and prescribed-fire missions.
Operational tools include a project-request tracker for units lacking organic UAS who need services; the tracker helps prioritize bureau resources and coordinate pilot availability for prescribed-fire support missions. Dutton closed by urging units to engage state aviation managers early and to use the listed links and resources for statistics and planning.
