Waivers & Permits
Navigating the Complexities So You Don’t Have To
At Bush Drone Data, we understand that aerial operations aren’t just about flying drones and capturing data — they’re also about compliance, safety, and legal authorization. Operating drones legally in certain airspaces, altitudes, and mission profiles requires more than just a license; it often demands specialized FAA waivers, airspace authorizations, and operational permits. This process can be confusing, time-consuming, and full of red tape — but that’s where we come in.
Why Permits and Waivers Matter
The FAA has strict guidelines in place to protect airspace safety and national security. When operating drones for commercial purposes, especially in complex environments or restricted areas, you may need:
Airspace Authorizations (e.g., flying in controlled airspace near airports)
Operational Waivers (e.g., flying at night, over people, beyond visual line of sight)
Special Use Permits (e.g., on government or city-owned properties)
Local Municipality or DOT Permits
Property Owner Authorization
Obtaining these approvals is essential to avoid fines, flight delays, or legal liabilities — and failing to get them in advance could jeopardize your entire project.
The Process: Complicated, Unless You Know the Way
Securing the right waivers and permits often involves:
Detailed Pre-Mission Planning
Airspace Classification & Risk Analysis
Submission of Waiver Requests through the FAA DroneZone Portal
Crafting Safety Cases and Operational Descriptions
Communicating with Local Governments or Regulatory Agencies
Waiting Periods of 5–90 Days, Depending on the Authorization Type
This process involves more than checking a few boxes — it demands technical writing, a solid understanding of FAA regulations, and proactive coordination with authorities. For the average business or project manager, it can quickly become a bureaucratic obstacle course.
We Handle It So You Don’t Have To
Our team at Bush Drone Data has in-depth knowledge of the FAA’s waiver and permit process, and we actively stay up to date with evolving requirements for commercial drone operations. We are continually expanding our operational experience with waiver types such as:
Night Operations under Part 107.29
Operations in Controlled Airspace (Class B, C, D, and E)
High-Altitude Authorizations (above 400 ft AGL, when permitted)
Local and Municipal Flight Permissions
We also conduct site-specific waiver and permit research to support missions involving:
Flights over people and moving vehicles
Operations near sensitive areas or special use zones (including TFRs)
Temporary project-specific clearances for infrastructure and construction sites
Each request is backed by detailed risk mitigation strategies, operational descriptions, and FAA-compliant safety documentation to improve approval success rates and shorten turnaround times.
Our familiarity with FAA systems, local regulations, and regional airspace challenges allows us to file quickly, communicate clearly with authorities, and keep your project on track without costly delays.
Fast-Tracking Your Project
We know your time is valuable, and delays can cost your business. That’s why we:
Pre-assess project locations for waiver/permit requirements
Initiate paperwork the moment your project is scoped
Communicate with the FAA and local agencies on your behalf
Track progress and expedite approval when possible
Provide full documentation for your records
Whether it’s a last-minute real estate shoot in controlled airspace or a long-term infrastructure project requiring repeated flights over restricted zones, we can move your project forward without red tape holding you back.
Trusted. Compliant. Insured.
At Bush Drone Data, we take regulatory compliance seriously. Every operation we conduct is:
FAA-Compliant
Fully Insured
Conducted by FAA-Certified Part 107 Pilots
Backed by Risk Mitigation & Safety Plans
Our clients trust us because we don’t just know how to fly — we know how to operate legally, safely, and efficiently in even the most complex airspace environments.
Start Your Project with Confidence
Don’t let permits and paperwork derail your vision. With Bush Drone Data, you get:
✅ Expert Guidance
✅ Fast-Tracked Waivers & Authorizations
✅ Peace of Mind
📩 Contact us today to discuss your project location and timeline. We’ll take care of the rest — so you can focus on results, not red tape.