What restrictions are in place to protect citizens' civil liberties and privacy concerns related to unmanned aircraft systems?

The Department of the Interior (DOI)--which includes the USGS--has taken the following actions related to privacy:

• Operating UAS primarily over DOI lands.

• Obtaining written permission from land owners when UAS operations need to launch and/or land on their property.

• Following standard FAA and DOI approved procedures for aircraft operations (including special use permits, landowner approval letters, and developing safety cases). Must obtain a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) from the FAA prior to conducting any flight operations outside of restricted airspace.

• Maintaining open and transparent UAS operations: UAS mission schedules are listed on the USGS UAS Project Office website, and local press and landowners are invited to observe the operations.

• Public hearings are held if required by the managing agency or local governing officials