UAS Type Certification (FAA D&R)

The D&R testing is comprised of test hours and cycles fully representative of desired operating state operations.  The D&R testing must also include verification of all operational limits and the entire aircraft flight envelope to ensure testing thoroughly encompasses the possible conditions that will be encountered in service.

D&R Test Hour Requirements

Population density
(people per square mile)
Baseline
configuration (flight hours)
Reduced probability of injury configuration
<30% AIS 3 or greater injury (flight hours)
Up to 100
(Rural)
375 150
Up to 3000 1100 540
Up to 7000 2500 1300
Up to 10,000 3600 1800
Up to 14,000 5000 2500
Up to 20,000 7200 3600

As a rule, the D&R testing must demonstrate safe flight across the entire operational envelope and up to all operational limitations, for all phases of flight and all aircraft configurations. 

Applicants will only be certificated to fly within limitations that have been fully demonstrated in test.  For example, the D&R testing must encompass the most adverse weather conditions (wind, temperature, density altitude, precipitation, etc.) for which certification is sought. 

Environmental conditions should also be considered, such as humidity, sand, dust, salt, particulates or foreign objects that could be ingested such as insects, etc.  Additionally, D&R testing should take place in an operationally representative radio frequency and electromagnetic environment to the extent possible.

With 300+ days of flying weather a year, PACI can support Applicants seeking a Determination of Reliability (with third-party oversight) and our affiliated UAS DAR can assist in obtaining operating approval and permission to fly for the needed limitations.

Learn more by reading here

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