Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program

Mavic 3

Purpose

The purpose of the City’s UAS program is to leverage technology tools to enhance the City’s mission of protecting lives and property, to assess infrastructure and environments, and to develop educational material. 

Program Overview

The City’s UAS program consists of five operational aircraft and 17 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licensed pilots. The aircraft are prioritized for emergency response to life safety and/or incident management missions, followed by project education and/or status documentation. All UAS activities follow all federal, state, and City requirements, authorities, and rules.

The City’s UAS program includes:

  • Compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements
  • Pilot training including FAA regulatory compliance and licensing, record and documentation management, and flight skills
  • Registration of aircraft with the FAA
  • Coordination with key airspace partners
  • Coordination for approval to conduct flights in and over public land for both training and emergent needs

The program is facilitated by a UAS Program Coordinator with support from key department representatives and policy oversight by the City Manager. 

FAQ

What is an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)?

"An unmanned aircraft system is an unmanned aircraft and the equipment necessary for the safe and efficient operation of that aircraft. An unmanned aircraft is a component of a UAS. It is defined by statute as an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft (Public Law 112-95, Section 331(8))." FAA.gov

What is a small Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle?

A small Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) is commonly referred to as a drone. A UAV is a battery-operated aircraft that weighs less than 55 pounds, is typically equipped with a camera and is remotely operated by a pilot on the ground using a handheld controller. 

What will the City use the UAS for?

Missions may include any of the following, or others as identified and that fit within the legal scope of the program:

            Search and rescue of missing persons – in water and on land

            Crime, fire, or crash scene preservation and documentation

            Hazmat, structure fire, and technical rescue response

            Disaster response for structural and environmental assessments

            Tactical searches for persons, suspicious items, or hazards

            Special event monitoring and documentation

            Infrastructure status and project tracking

            Public and technical education content

Prohibited Activities

Random surveillance activities

Targeting, harassment, intimidation, or discrimination of a person based solely on individual characteristics

          In combination with facial recognition technology

          Personal business

Who will be flying the UAV?

City employees from Fire, Police, and Public Works have been licensed by the FAA and trained to fly the aircraft within the scope and rules of the City’s program. Only City trained and approved, pilots will operate City aircraft.

Contact Us

Email: UAS@kirklandwa.gov

Related information

4/19/22 Resolution R-5229 Approving a One-Year Public Safety UAS Test Program(PDF, 918KB)

4/18/23 UAS Trial Program Update(PDF, 670KB) 

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