📏 Standards, certification and typing ↓
Drone / UAV Search & Rescue Teams Map
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Resources by state
Drone & UAV SAR Assets
Common UAV & Drone Search Terminology
Essential aerial robotics definitions for SAR operations
Standardized vocabulary used by drone pilots, sensor operators, and incident commanders during airborne search missions.
FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared)
Thermal sensors that detect heat signatures against background terrain, useful for locating people at night, in open terrain or on snow. Dense tree canopy and warm ground can hide a heat signature.
LAANC / COA
LAANC gives Part 107 pilots near-real-time authorization to fly in controlled airspace. A Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) lets a government agency fly as a public aircraft operation.
Grid & Orbit Waypoint Patterns
Automated flight paths programmed via ground control station (GCS) software to execute methodical nadir or oblique photo sweeps of a designated search sector.
Orthomosaic Mapping
An orthomosaic combines overlapping aerial images into a geometrically corrected 2D map. Related photogrammetry workflows can create 3D models; accuracy depends on capture, positioning and processing.
FAA Regulations & Emergency Deployment Framework
Confirm the legal authority and approvals for the specific flight.
Part 107 or Public Aircraft Operations
Government agencies may use Part 107 or, for qualifying governmental functions, the public-aircraft pathway with an FAA Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). Volunteer status or a public-safety mission alone does not establish public-aircraft eligibility.
FAA operating pathways ↗Special Governmental Interest (SGI)
Eligible operators supporting an emergency may request expedited FAA approval. For time-sensitive operations, call SOSC at 202-267-8276. Approval specifies the permitted operation and conditions; it is not automatic permission to enter a TFR or fly beyond visual line of sight. BVLOS requests may need a TFR and additional processing time.
FAA emergency request process ↗Follow the Specific Approval
Use the distance, altitude, airspace, observer and other conditions in the applicable FAA authorization or waiver. A tactical BVLOS example does not establish operating limits for another agency or flight. Until the FAA's proposed Part 108 BVLOS rule takes effect, BVLOS flight needs a waiver or other specific FAA approval.
Training & Anti-Collision Lighting
Routine Part 107 night operations require the applicable updated pilot knowledge test or recurrent training and anti-collision lighting visible for at least three statute miles, with a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision. Controlled-airspace authorization and other applicable requirements still apply.
FAA night-operation requirements ↗Confirm the Compliance Method
Registered drones and drones required to be registered must comply with Remote ID rules. Check the FAA’s standard Remote ID, broadcast-module and FRIA options and any applicable authorization or exception.
FAA Remote ID guidance ↗Emergency Launch Protocols & Sensor Matrix
Operational checklists, payload specifications, and live airspace verification tools
Standardized deployment guidelines ensure drone units integrate seamlessly into active Incident Command System (ICS) structures, maintaining rigorous safety standards and optimal sensor deployment.
UAS Payload & Sensor Capability Matrix
High-Zoom RGB Sensors
Primary Use: Wide-area grid searches, license plate or vehicle identification, and landmark checking in clear weather.
Advantage: Identification detail depends on optics, range, motion, lighting and image resolution.
Radiometric FLIR / Infrared
Primary Use: Night searches and open or snow-covered terrain; dense canopy limits detection.
Advantage: Shows thermal contrast; a heat signature requires assessment and confirmation and is not automatically a person.
LiDAR & Orthomosaic Mapping
Primary Use: Post-disaster landslide analysis, dense ravine profiling, and 3D modeling of complex terrain.
Advantage: LiDAR can obtain ground returns through gaps in vegetation; coverage and accuracy depend on canopy density, sensor and flight conditions. Optical orthomosaics do not see through canopy.
Searchlights & Paging Speakers
Primary Use: Acoustic hailing of responsive subjects, night illumination, and signaling ground teams.
Advantage: Broadcasts pre-recorded audio instructions or allows live verbal contact.
Rapid Launch & Airspace Safety Checklist
1. Crew Composition
Recommended: a Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) plus a visual observer in radio contact.
2. Airspace Verification
Review current FAA airspace restrictions, the TFR’s actual terms and required authorizations before launch. Obtain any necessary approval; an awareness map alone does not authorize a flight.
3. Battery & Power Readiness
Recommended: enough charged flight batteries for the operational period, generator/solar field station prepped, and remote controller firmware updated.
4. Air Operations Deconfliction
Agree on communications and deconfliction procedures with incident air operations before launch. Follow the remote pilot’s plan and applicable airspace restrictions.
🌐 External Airspace & TFR Verification Tools
Dispatchers and pilots can cross-reference active temporary flight restrictions and official government flight advisories using these direct resources:
UAV Airspace & Safety Notice
Deconfliction with Manned Aircraft: Under Part 107, drones must yield to other aircraft and avoid collision hazards. Coordinate with incident air operations and land or reposition safely when needed. Incident-command direction does not waive FAA right-of-way requirements.
Law Enforcement Drone (UAS) Units
Some sheriff’s offices and police departments operate drone programs. Confirm crew availability, payloads, response time and flight authority with the agency; night or restricted-airspace approval is not automatic.
When to request a law enforcement unit
- You need a thermal search of open ground, water edges or a structure, especially at night.
- A TFR affects the search area and an appropriately authorized operator is needed; check the specific restriction and approvals.
- A scene needs documentation or overwatch for searcher safety.
- Unauthorized drones are interfering with manned aircraft over the search area.
Coordination tips
- Coordinate all drones through the Air Operations Branch so they are deconflicted from helicopters.
- Agencies flying under a Certificate of Authorization or Part 107 can request fast-track FAA approval (SGI) for flights outside their normal authority.
- Treat drone video as potential evidence and follow your agency's retention policy.
National law enforcement resources
- DRONERESPONDERS ↗Public-safety drone program resources, training and a directory of agency programs.
- FAA — Public Safety & Government UAS ↗FAA rules for agency drone operations and law enforcement's role with unauthorized drones.
- FAA — Emergency Operations (SGI waivers) ↗Fast-track Special Governmental Interest approvals for SAR, firefighting and law enforcement flights.
- Law Enforcement Drone Association (LEDA) ↗Police drone training, conferences and best practices.
For jurisdiction, incident command and evidence guidance, see the Sheriff & Law Enforcement SAR hub. Always follow your own agency's policies and local protocols.
📏 Standards, certification and typing
Public safety drone teams fly under FAA rules, are typed by FEMA, and train to ASTM and NFPA standards.
National standards
Public Safety Remote Pilot TrainingActive
ASTM guide that sets minimum training for public safety remote pilots, building on basic remote pilot training in F3266.
Official source ↗Remote Pilot in Command TrainingActive
ASTM guide for baseline training of a remote pilot in command of a UAS.
Official source ↗sUAS Classification for Land SARActive
Classifies small drones for land SAR by capability, so managers can order the right resource. It does not set training or performance standards.
Official source ↗NFPA 2400 – sUAS for Public Safety OperationsMost recent (per ANSI Webstore)
NFPA standard for running public safety drone programs. It includes NIST aerial test methods for measuring pilot proficiency.
Official source ↗NIST sUAS Test MethodsPublished (10 methods in NFPA 2400)
Low-cost, repeatable flight tests from NIST used to train and evaluate public safety drone pilots and aircraft.
Official source ↗FEMA resource typing (NIMS)
Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) TeamPublished
FEMA definition of a drone team that gives incident command live imagery and data, such as video, thermal, photogrammetry and lidar. Types 1 and 2; it flies under FAA Part 107.
Official source ↗Remote Pilot-in-Command; Technical Specialist – sUASPublished
FEMA position qualifications. The Remote PIC needs an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, ICS training (IS-100, 200, 700 and 800) and activity at least every two years.
Official source ↗Certification and training
FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107)Current
Federal drone pilot certificate. You must be 16 or older, pass the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small test and complete free online recurrent training every 24 calendar months.
Official source ↗Federal law and rules
FAA Special Governmental Interest (SGI) approvalsCurrent
Fast FAA approval for emergency drone flights such as SAR and firefighting that fall outside an operator's normal Part 107 or COA authority. Apply through the FAA/TSA waiver portal, or call the SOSC at 202-267-8276 when time-critical.
Official source ↗Public aircraft COA pathCurrent
Government agencies can fly drones as public aircraft under a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization instead of Part 107.
Official source ↗Key official references
DHS UAS Privacy Best PracticesCited by FEMA sUAS Team definition
DHS best practices for protecting privacy, civil rights and civil liberties in drone programs.
Official source ↗