Streamlining Emergency Drone Operations: AirHub® Portal’s Special Government Interest (SGI) Form

In emergency situations, every minute counts. Rapid drone deployment can be essential for effective response and public safety. However, gaining expedited airspace access for critical missions has traditionally involved a lengthy, manual approval process. AirHub® Portal now offers a solution for emergency situations that may be eligible for expedited approval through our Special Governmental Interest (SGI) process. Operations that may be considered include:

• Firefighting - Includes Wildfire Suppression and Red Flag Warning Area Monitoring
• Search and Rescue
• Law Enforcement
• Utility or Other Critical Infrastructure Restoration
• Damage Assessments - Supporting Disaster Recovery-Related Insurance Claims
• Media Coverage - Providing Crucial Information to the Public

Addressing the Challenge of Expedited Drone Operations

Previously, operators faced the cumbersome task of requesting a waiver to the standard 72-hour Flight Clearance (FC) submission period for emergency flights. This process required a range of manual steps, including documenting coordinates, event details, and flight specifics in a static Microsoft Word form and then submitting it via email to the FAA for approval.

With the new SGI process in AirHub® Portal, users can streamline this workflow, reducing the time required to document each step manually. 

How the SGI Form Process Works in AirHub® Portal

To apply for a waiver through the SGI process, users must be an existing Part 107 Remote Pilot with a current certificate OR an existing Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). To submit a waiver through this process, you can utilize the SGI form generator within AirHub Portal. This tool enables you to fill out the Emergency Operation Request Form electronically, leveraging key pre-populated data from your operation.

Once completed, the form will be automatically generated and downloaded as a PDF. You then send the downloaded PDF form, along with any other required documentation as specified in the form, to the FAA's System Operations Support Center (SOSC) at 9-ator-hq-sosc@faa.gov. If approved, the FAA will add an amendment to your existing COA or Remote Pilot Certificate that authorizes you to fly under certain conditions for the specified operation. If denied, operators should NOT fly outside the provisions of their existing COA or Part 107. Operators have the option to amend their requests.

Our innovative form generator simplifies SGI form completion by:

• Automating Data Population: Leveraging the operational data already captured within AirHub Portal, the generator pre-populates relevant fields with information such as including flight dates & times, operation coordinates, and AGL. By pre-populating key fields, the generator significantly reduces the amount of manual data entry required, minimizing the risk of errors and omissions.
• User-Friendly Interface: The generator provides a user-friendly interface with clear instructions and guidance on how to complete each section of the form.
• Automated Downloads: Once the form is completed and submitted, it is automatically downloaded in a user-friendly format (e.g., PDF), ready for immediate use.

How to Use the SGI Form Generator

This tool requires FlySafe Advanced. For more information, visit https://airspacelink.com/pricing

1. Access the SGI Form Generator: Within the AirHub Portal, navigate to the relevant operation and locate the SGI Form Generator tool.
2. Review and Complete the Form: The generator will pre-populate the form with data extracted from the operation. Review the information and complete any remaining fields manually.
3. Submit and Download: Once completed, submit the form. The generator will automatically download the completed SGI form in a user-friendly format.
4. Submit to the FAA: Attach the downloaded SGI form, along with any other required documentation as specified in the form, to an email and send it to 9-ATOR-HQ-SOSC@faa.gov.

By integrating an SGI form generator within AirHub Portal, Airspace Link aims to empower public safety teams to make better use of drones in urgent scenarios with a streamlined and efficient solution for managing SGI form submissions. This innovative tool not only saves time and reduces errors but also enhances safety and compliance by ensuring accurate and complete information is provided to the FAA.

With streamlined processes like this, AirHub® Portal continues to lead in delivering practical, advanced tools for drone operations in public safety and beyond.

Interested in how this can support your agency’s emergency drone operations? Airspace Link’s team of experts is here to help. Whether you’re looking for a demo, a walkthrough of the SGI process, or a consultation on integrating drones into your public safety workflows, we’ve got you covered.

Contact us today to explore how Airspace Link can help your team take flight when it matters most.