Purpose:
The Declaration of Compliance is the process by which a manufacturer or applicant shows the FAA that a small unmanned aircraft (sUAS) is safe and meets the requirements for Category 2 or Category 3 operations (flying over people).
Who Submits It?
The applicant (often the manufacturer, but could also be another responsible party).
What Information Is Required?
Applicant’s name, address, and email.
Aircraft make, model, series, and serial number(s).
Whether it’s an initial declaration or amendment (and why).
The accepted means of compliance used (approved testing or standards).
A declaration that:
The aircraft meets FAA safety requirements (§107.120 or §107.130).
The aircraft has no safety defects.
Any additional requirements are satisfied.
The FAA may inspect facilities, records, or aircraft if requested.
FAA Acceptance:
If the FAA accepts the declaration, the aircraft is cleared for Category 2/3 operations.
Safety Issues & Rescission:
If safety issues are found, the FAA can:
Notify the applicant to fix the issue.
Rescind (cancel) the declaration if problems aren’t resolved.
Emergency safety issues allow the FAA to rescind immediately.
Petition to Reconsider:
If rescinded, the applicant has 60 days to petition the FAA to reconsider, but must show new evidence, an FAA error, or misinterpretation.
Important Note:
Normal FAA enforcement procedures (Part 13, Subpart D) do not apply to this process.
Why It Matters for Part 107 Pilots:
Even though individual drone pilots don’t submit these forms (manufacturers usually do), pilots need to understand:
Only drones with accepted Declarations of Compliance can legally be used for Category 2 and 3 operations over people.
If the FAA rescinds compliance, those aircraft are grounded for these operations.