This page is updated as new information becomes available. Please continue to monitor the home page for additional information.
Last Update 4/30/2025
- *New* 4/30/2025: Drone Amplified has issued Technical Service Bulletin DA-04-29-25 for a battery setting update for Alta X FW version 1.4
- *New* 4/30/2025: Drone Amplified Flight 3.6.0 has been released. Check the Drone Amplified DA Flight Downloads page for more information.
- 4/21/2025: Drone Amplified has issued Technical Service Bulletin DA-04-11-25 for electrostatic discharge affecting the Pilot Pro controller.
- 4/10/2025: A second extension of the DOI/FS COAs has been issued, the expiration date is now 5/15/2025
- 5/10/2024: IA IB 24-02: Process for Prescribed Fire (RX) Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) involving UAS or helicopter aerial ignition operations.
- 5/6/2024: Updates to SGI Instructions are available. Guidance for TFR implementation for RX during Aerial Ignition.
Safety
4/21/2025: Drone Amplified has issued Technical Service Bulletin DA-04-11-25 for electrostatic discharge affecting the Pilot Pro controller.
9/17/2024: Skydio X10 Damaged Motor Stator Alert. Available in Skydio Notice to Operators
7/26/2024: IA APB 24-05 has been issued for aviation management in high operational tempo.
3/15/2024: FAA Guidance to DOI for UAS operations and Remote Identification
COAs and SGIs
Certificates of Authorization
Updated Certificates of Authorization. The FAA has reissued COAs for the DOI and USFS for UAS Operations.
- DOI: 2023-WSA-11904 REV 3-COA (Signed 11/18/2024)
- Note: The FAA has issued a second extension of the DOI COA expiration date to 5/15/2025 while a new document is finalized.
- USFS: 2023-WSA-11903 REV 1-COA (Signed 3/29/2023)
- Note: The FAA has issued a second extension of the USFS COA expiration date to 5/15/2025 while a new document is finalized.
Note: When creating a NOTAM with the updated COAs, you must input with this format: "2023-WSA-11904-COA" or "2023-WSA-11903-COA". Using the "2023-WSA-11904 REV 1-COA" as written will not work.
Special Government Interest (SGI) Waivers
- Interagency SGI Instructions (05/06/2024)
- SGI Request Template (09/14/2023, MS Word Doc)
- SGI Request Template - Populated (09/14/2023, MS Word Doc)
SGI waivers are required for UAS operations inside a TFR. Contact the UAS Coordinator for assistance with waiver coordination through the FAA.
See IA IB 22-06 for additional information: IA IB 22-06 "Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations within Incident Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs).
IA IB 24-02 addresses TFRs for Prescribed Fires
IA IB 24-05 may also apply to TFRs that span more than one ARTCC. Please make sure all TFRs relevant to your incident are accounted for in the SGI request.
Airspace
NOTAMs
Fire Traffic Area
- 10/30/2023: Joint CAL Fire and USFS Fire Traffic Area Review. A joint bulletin has been released to highlight and reemphasize the importance of the FTA Protocol. This is good refresher information for all remote pilots.
- IA IB 22-04 "Potential Airspace Challenges Resulting From Misinformation". Please review for clarification on the Fire Traffic Area Diagram, PMS505D
- NWCG Standards for Airspace Coordination PMS 520
- NWCG Fire Traffic Area Reference and Diagram (Updated 4/2022)
Special Use Airspace
- DoD Aeronautical Information System (Links to AP1A/AP1B on right side menu at the bottom)
Identification and Deconfliction
- 3/15/2024: FAA Guidance to DOI for UAS operations and Remote Identification
- Understanding Altitudes for UAS Deconfliction and Performance (UAS Remote Pilot Job Aid)
General Reference
Apps
- Avenza - Airdrop and export a map, features or layers (Avenza 4.0 and newer)
- Foreflight - downloading maps
Communications
- Icom IC-A25 radio features (Youtube Video)
Documents, Forms, and Checklists
- UASP Flight Organizer (v2.1 generic)
- Interagency PASP Template (v4.1, 1/1/2020)
- DOI Multirotor Checklist v190227
- Interagency Aviation Mishap Response Guide UAS Insert (7/8/2022)
Equipment
- IBC Memo 23-09 - UAS Incident Replacement Guide. NWCG Incident Business Committee (IBC) and the Interagency Fire UAS Subcommittee (IFUASS) has released guidance for consumable/replacement parts.
Flight Planning
- BLM NOC UAS Flight Planning Spreadsheet (Gapinski, 4/8/2022)
Incident Coordination
- IA-IB 21-07 has relevant information for IMTs on UAS Operations
System Shipping
Aircraft Reference
Alta X and Astro
GCS
- 4/30/2025: Drone Amplified has issued Technical Service Bulletin DA-04-29-25 for a battery setting update for Alta X FW version 1.4
- 4/21/2025: Drone Amplified has issued Technical Service Bulletin DA-04-11-25 for electrostatic discharge affecting the Pilot Pro controller.
- DA Flight Support
- Pilot Pro Support
Payloads
- Ignis Manual (Drone Amplified Website)
- Wiris Camera Workflow
System Specifics
- Alta X Support (Freefly Website)
- Alta X Troubleshooting
- Astro Support (Freefly Website)
- Astro Software Updates and Firmware Versioning
Anafi GOV
M-600
- 8/29/2023: IASA 23-02 M-600 Batteries - Thermal Expansion.
- 6/28/2022: M600 Battery Shipping: With a recent increase in activity and ROs to Alaska, RPs must be aware of M600 Lithium Ion battery watt hours (Wh) and rules:
- T47S batteries are 99.9 Wh and are clear for carry-on luggage on airlines.
- T48S batteries are 129.96 Wh. MAY NOT CARRY-ON. Must be shipped!
- Reference: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/lithium-batteries-100-watt-hours-or-less-device
- 6/17/2022: Accident Prevention Bulletin 22-03 - Defective M600 Batteries
- 6/13/2022: Interagency Tech Bulletin 22-01 for M-600 Props
- 5/9/2022: SAFECOM 22-0234, M600 Batteries
Skydio X-10E
- Skydio Notice to Operators
- 9/17/2024: Skydio X10 Damaged Motor Stator Alert. Available in Skydio Notice to Operators