Getting Started in 5 Steps

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Getting started in 5 steps

The shortest honest path from "we should have drones" to a first approved, documented flight. Five steps, each linked to the page that goes deeper.

Last reviewed Oct 27, 2026 8 linked sources Service first. No sales pitch.
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The five stepsTime and paperwork to expectCommon pitfallsKeep going
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Step by step

The five steps

  1. Define the mission

    List the call types you want a drone on (search, fire overwatch, crash scenes) and what it should report back. DHS S&T's SAVER program publishes free DFR guidance and vendor questions. [1]

  2. Choose your FAA pathway

    Government agencies that qualify as Public Aircraft Operators and Public Safety Organizations can use the expedited Part 91.113 PAO/PSO waiver. [2] Volunteer organizations are typically not PAOs and use Part 107 with the PSO shielded-operations waiver. [3] Compare pathways.

  3. Check the law and the buying rules

    Ohio HB 251 sets warrant, records and weapons rules. [4] BJA-funded drones must be on DCMA's Blue UAS list. [5] FEMA treats sUAS as aircraft that need prior approval. [6]

  4. Pick equipment for the mission

    Compare manufacturer specs in Drones & Docks and Payloads. Plan batteries, spares and repair turnaround from day one.

  5. Write policy, train, then fly

    Pilots hold a Part 107 certificate or meet your COA's requirements. [7] Adopt SOPs for flight, data and warrants before go-live. SOP outlines.
Planning

Time and paperwork to expect

91.113 PAO/PSO waiver

Request the packet by email from FAA, complete it and send it back. Valid 48 months once issued.
Source: [2]

Part 107 certificate

Pass the FAA aeronautical knowledge test, then stay current with recurrent knowledge every 24 calendar months.
Sources: [7] [8]

Grant prior approval

BJA and FEMA both require prior approval before you buy a drone with their funds.
Sources: [5] [6]

Common pitfalls

Watch out
Buying before checking funding rules
A drone bought with BJA funds must be on the Blue UAS list with no modifications or added accessories. Check before you order. [5]
Ohio-specific
HB 251 records duties start on day one
Law-enforcement agencies must document and verify flight data for each surveillance flight and treat it as a public record unless an exemption applies. [4]
Watch out
Letting a waiver lapse
91.113 waivers run 48 months. Put the renewal date on a shared calendar the day it arrives. [2]

Keep going

Full setup checklistWaiver pathsGlossary

Public Safety Wiki on Revere Tactical Technologies. Plain-language summaries, not legal advice. Talk to your counsel and the FAA for decisions about your program.

Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will fix the page and its source. If a rule or spec has changed, the linked source wins.

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