SGI Emergency UAS Waivers

AIM ¶ 11-8-5 — SGI Emergency UAS Waivers

AIM 11-8-5 explains the Special Government Interest (SGI) process for expedited UAS airspace waivers in emergencies for Part 107 and Part 91 operators.

In Plain English

AIM 11-8-5 describes the Special Government Interest (SGI) process — an expedited path for UAS operators to get airspace authorizations during emergencies. Public safety agencies often need to launch drones quickly to respond to incidents, and the standard waiver/authorization process may be too slow.

Key points to know:

Who can use SGI: Any Part 107 or Part 91 UAS operator facing time limits, airspace restrictions, or an emergency situation.
How to request it: Contact the FAA's System Operations Support Center (SOSC) at [email protected].
How fast: Depending on the operation, approval can come in a matter of minutes.
Where it's defined: FAA Order JO 7210.3, Facility Operation and Administration.
Common users: Public safety organizations (law enforcement, fire, search and rescue) responding to emergencies.

This is informational guidance — not a regulation — but knowing the SGI pathway is operationally important for any pilot or agency that may need to fly UAS in restricted airspace during a crisis.

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AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 11-8-5

11-8-5. 11-8-5. Emergency UAS Authorizations Through Special Government Interest (SGI) Airspace Waivers Background. UAS are used by public safety agencies to respond to emergencies. The SGI process is for any part 107 or part 91 operator that either due to time limitations, airspace restrictions or emergency situations that requires expedited authorization by contacting the system operations support center (SOSC) at [email protected] . The SGI process, depending on the nature of the operation, can be completed in a matter of minutes. This process enables response to an emergency with UAS in an expeditious manner. Public Safety organizations may apply for expedited airspace authorizations through the SGI process. The SGI process is defined in FAA Order JO 7210.3, Facility Operation and Administration. REFERENCE- FAA Order JO 7210.3, Facility Operation and Administration. Additional information regarding SGI authorizations can be located at the FAA's Emergency Situations webpage. NOTE- The FAA's Emergency Situations website may be reviewed at: https://www.faa.gov/uas/advanced_operations/emergency_situations/ .

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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What is the SGI process and who can use it?

Per AIM 11-8-5, the Special Government Interest (SGI) process provides expedited airspace authorization for any Part 107 or Part 91 UAS operator facing time limitations, airspace restrictions, or emergency situations. It is commonly used by public safety agencies responding to emergencies.

Q2How does a UAS operator initiate an SGI authorization request?

Per AIM 11-8-5, the operator contacts the FAA's System Operations Support Center (SOSC) by email at [email protected]. Depending on the nature of the operation, the SGI process can be completed in a matter of minutes.

Q3Where is the SGI process officially defined?

Per AIM 11-8-5, the SGI process is defined in FAA Order JO 7210.3, Facility Operation and Administration. Additional information can be found on the FAA's Emergency Situations webpage.

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 11

¶ 11-8-1

UAS Pilot Responsibilities

¶ 11-8-2

UAS ATC Coordination

¶ 11-8-3

UAS Operational Precautions

¶ 11-8-4

UAS Accident Reporting

¶ 11-8-6

UAS Environmental Best Practices

¶ 11-8-7