NFPA 2400 Standard for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Used for Public Safety Operations

1.1 Scope.

This standard shall cover the minimum requirements relating to the operation, deployment, and implementation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for public safety operations.
1.1.1 This standard shall establish operational protocols for public safety entities who use and support sUAS.
1.1.2 This standard shall include minimum job performance requirements (JPRs) for public safety personnel who operate and support sUAS.
1.1.3 This standard shall include minimum requirements for the maintenance of sUAS when used by public safety entities.
1.1.4 This standard shall provide additional minimum requirements specific to public safety entities.
1.2 Purpose. This standard shall specify the minimum criteria necessary to support safe, effective, and efficient sUAS operations when utilized by public safety entities.
1.3 Application. This standard shall apply to all public safety entities operating sUAS.
1.3.1 This standard shall apply to non-public entities who conduct sUAS operations for public safety.
1.3.2* This standard shall apply to sUAS that weigh less than 55 lb (25 kg).
1.4 Equivalency. Nothing in this standard is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, devices, or technology of equivalent or superior quality, effectiveness, and performance over those prescribed by this standard.
1.4.1 The technical documentation shall be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction to demonstrate equivalency.
1.4.2 The system, method, device, or aircraft shall be approved for the intended purpose by the authority having jurisdiction.
1.5* Enforcement. This standard shall be administered and enforced by the authority having jurisdiction.
1.6 Additional Administrative Information. This standard shall be divided based on the different types of minimum requirements for sUAS when used by public safety entities.
1.6.1 Chapter 4 shall include the minimum requirements relating to the organization, deployment, and selection of sUAS when used for operations supporting public safety entities.
1.6.2 Chapter 5 shall identify the minimum JPRs for remote pilot in command (RPIC) and visual observer for sUAS when used by public safety personnel.
1.6.3 Chapter 6 shall include minimum requirements for the maintenance of sUAS when used for public safety operations.
1.6.4 Chapters 4, 5, and 6 shall contain the following administrative sections in relation to the applicable type of requirements:
1.6.5 Definitions found in Chapters 4, 5, and 6 shall be repeated in Chapter 3 in accordance with the Manual of Style for NFPA Technical Committee Documents.
1.6.6* Annexes shall provide explanatory information based on the applicable section number.
1.6.7 Annex B shall contain an explanation of professional qualification standards and the concepts of JPRs.
Chapter 2 Referenced Publications
2.1 General. The documents or portions thereof listed in this chapter are referenced within this standard and shall be considered part of the requirements of this document.
2.2 NFPA Publications. (Reserved)
2.3 Other Publications.
2.3.1 U.S. Government Publications. U.S. Government Publishing Office, 732 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001.
2.3.2 Other Publications.
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, Merriam- Webster, Inc., Springfield, MA, 2003.
2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections. (Reserved)

Chapter 3 Definitions
3.1 General. The definitions contained in this chapter shall apply to the terms used in this standard. Where terms are not defined in this chapter or within another chapter, they shall be defined using their ordinarily accepted meanings within the context in which they are used. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, shall be the source for the ordinarily accepted meaning.
3.2 NFPA Official Definitions.
3.2.1* Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
3.2.2* Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). An organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.
3.2.3 Shall. Indicates a mandatory requirement.
3.2.4 Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required.
3.2.5 Standard. An NFPA Standard, the main text of which contains only mandatory provisions using the word “shall” to indicate requirements and that is in a form generally suitable for mandatory reference by another standard or code or for adoption into law. Nonmandatory provisions are not to be considered a part of the requirements of a standard and shall be located in an appendix, annex, footnote, informational note, or other means as permitted in the NFPA Manuals of Style. When used in a generic sense, such as in the phrase “standards development process” or “standards development activities,” the term “standards” includes all NFPA Standards, including Codes, Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guides.

3.3 General Definitions.
3.3.1 Crew Readiness. The availability and readiness of the RPIC and visual observer to deploy for sUAS operations given their knowledge and completion of pre-flight duties. (PQU)
3.3.2 Data Acquisition. The collection of information from sUAS for the purpose of fulfilling the mission objectives and goals in accordance with the mission plan. (PQU)
3.3.3 Designated Operations Area. The operating area or location defining the volume of airspace to include altitude in Above Ground Level (AGL) or Mean Sea Level (MSL), and the defined geographical operational perimeter for a given public safety mission.
3.3.4 Digital Media Evidence (DME). The digital recording of images, sounds, and associated data with probative value stored or transmitted in binary form.
3.3.5 Incident Command System (ICS). A standardized on- scene emergency management construct specifically designed to provide for the adoption of an integrated organizational structure that reflects the complexity and demands of single or multiple incidents, without being hindered by jurisdictional boundaries. ICS is the combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications operating within a common organizational structure, designed to aid in the management of resources during incidents. It is used for all kinds of emergencies and is applicable to small as well as large and complex incidents. ICS is used by various jurisdictions and functional agencies, both public and private, to organize field- level incident management operations. [FEMA— ICS Glossary, 2008]
3.3.6 Incident Commander (IC). The individual responsible for all incident activities, including the development of strategies and tactics and the ordering and the release of resources. The IC has overall authority and responsibility for conducting incident operations and is responsible for the management of all incident operations at the incident site. [FEMA— ICS Glossary, 2008]
3.3.7 Maintenance Program. A maintenance program is a system or set of procedures for the continuous maintenance of the sUAS in order to ensure air-worthiness.
3.3.8 Payload Drop. The release of an item or package from sUAS for the purpose of fulfilling the mission objectives and goals in accordance with the mission plan. (PQU)
3.3.9 Positive Aircraft Control. Consistendy maintaining appropriate control of the aircraft, regardless of the phase of flight or potential distraction of other required tasks. (PQU)
3.3.10 Public Safety Entity. Any entity involved with public safety that has a mission to protect life, property, or the environment or any combination of these.
3.3.11 Public Safety Personnel. Any individual involved with public safety that has a mission to protect life, property, or the environment or any combination of these. (PQU)
3.3.12 Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC). The person who has been found by the public safety entity to be properly qualified to exercise the privileges of remote pilot and has the final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of sUAS operation as determined by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). (PQU)
3.3.13 Resources. The equipment, personnel, and facilities required for the sUAS operations provided by the public safety department. (PQU)
3.3.14 Risk Assessment. The evaluation of the relative danger of sUAS operations when taking into consideration mission objectives and goals, sUAS, professional qualifications of the RPIC and visual observer, operational readiness of the crew, weather conditions, environmental conditions, regulatory requirements, potential hazards, and operating conditions. (PQU)
3.3.15 Small Unmanned Aircraft. An unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 lb (25 kg) including everything that is on board the aircraft. [14 CFRPart 107, 2016]
3.3.16 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). A small unmanned aircraft and its associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the small unmanned aircraft) that are required for the safe and efficient operation of the small unmanned aircraft in the national airspace system. [14 CFR Part 107, 20161
3.3.17 sUAS Operations. The use of any sUAS for the purpose of protecting life, property, or the environment or any combi-nation of these.
3.3.18 sUAS Program. The elements (administrative, operational, qualifications and training, safety, and maintenance) that are required within the structure of a public safety entity in order to support sUAS operations that are safe, efficient, and feasible.
3.3.19 Sustainable Life Cycle. A determination made by a public safety entity in relation to the ability of sUAS manufacturer, system provider, or both to supply replacement parts, critical maintenance, system updates, upgrades, and other applicable components critical to ensuring continuous sUAS operations.
3.3.20 UAS Coordinator. A public safety person responsible for mission coordination and local deconfliction of multiple aircraft. (PQU)
3.3.21 Unmanned Aircraft. An aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft, f 14 CFR Part 107, 20161
3.3.22 Visual Observer. A person who assists the RPIC and the person manipulating the flight controls of the small UAS (if that person is not the RPIC) to see and avoid other air traffic or objects aloft or on the ground. [14 CFR Part 107, 20161 (PQU) ‘
Chapter 4 Organizational Deployment and Considerations for
sUAS

4.1 Administration.
4.1.1 Scope. The chapter shall identify the minimum requirements relating to the organization, deployment, and selection of sUAS when used for operations supporting public safety entities (see 1.6.1).
4.1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter shall be to provide minimum requirements that address the criteria a public safety entity is required to consider for sUAS operations.
4.1.3 Application. This chapter shall apply to all elements of sUAS when utilized by public safety entities, such as sUAS program criteria, sUAS mission objectives and goals, sUAS selection, concepts of operations (ConOps), and operational applications.
4.1.4 Definitions.
4.1.4.1 Designated Operations Area (DOA). The operating area or location defining the volume of airspace to include altitude in Above Ground Level (ACL) or Mean Sea Level (MSL), and the defined geographical operational perimeter for a given public safety mission.
4.1.4.2* Digital Media Evidence (DME). The digital recording of images, sounds, and associated data with probative value stored or transmitted in binary form.
4.1.4.3 Incident Commander (IC). The individual responsible for all incident activities, including the development of strategies and tactics and the ordering and the release of resources. The IC has overall authority and responsibility for conducting incident operations and is responsible for the management of all incident operations at the incident site. [FEMA— ICS Glossary, 2008]
4.1.4.4 Incident Command System (ICS). A standardized on- scene emergency management construct specifically designed to provide for the adoption of an integrated organizational structure that reflects the complexity and demands of single or multiple incidents, without being hindered by jurisdictional boundaries. ICS is the combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications operating within a common organizational structure, designed to aid in the management of resources during incidents. It is used for all kinds of emergencies and is applicable to small as well as large and complex incidents. ICS is used by various jurisdictions and functional agencies, both public and private, to organize field- level incident management operations. [FEMA— ICS Glossary, 2008]
4.1.4.5* Public Safety Entity. Any entity involved with public safety that has a mission to protect life, property, or the envi-ronment or any combination of these.
4.1.4.6 Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC). The person who has been found by the public safety entity to be properly qualified to exercise the privileges of remote pilot and has the final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of sUAS operation as determined by the AHJ. (PQU)
4.1.4.7 Risk Assessment. The evaluation of the relative danger of sUAS operations when taking into consideration mission objectives and goals, sUAS, professional qualifications of the RPIC and visual observer, operational readiness of the crew, weather conditions, environmental conditions, regulatory requirements, potential hazards, and operating conditions. (PQU)
4.1.4.8 Small Unmanned Aircraft. Small unmanned aircraft means an unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 lb (25 kg) including everything that is on board the aircraft. [14 CFR Part 107, 2016]
4.1.4.9 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). Small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) means a small unmanned aircraft and its associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the small unmanned aircraft) that are required for the safe and efficient operation of the small unmanned aircraft in the national airspace system. [ 14 CFR Part 107, 20161
4.1.4.10 sUAS Operations. The use of any sUAS for the purpose of protecting life, property, the environment or any or all of the above.
4.1.4.11 sUAS Program. The elements (administrative, operational, qualifications and training, safety and maintenance) that are required within the structure of a public safety entity in order to support sUAS operations that are safe, efficient and feasible.
4.1.4.12 Sustainable Life Cycle. A determination made by a public safety entity in relation to the ability of sUAS manufacturers, system provider, or both to supply replacement parts, critical maintenance, system updates, upgrades and other applicable components critical to ensuring continuous sUAS operations.
4.1.4.13 Unmanned Aircraft. Unmanned aircraft means an aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft. [14 CFR Part 107, 20161
4.1.4.14 Visual Observer. A person who assists the RPIC and the person manipulating the flight controls of the small UAS (if that person is not the RPIC) to see and avoid other air traffic or objects aloft or on the ground. [14 CFR Part 107, 20161 (PQU) ‘

4.2 General Requirements. Public safety entities that perform sUAS operations shall comply with Sections 4.3 through 4.7.
4.3 sUAS Program Criteria.
4.3.1 Public safety entities shall establish a policy that addresses data captured by the sUAS.
4.3.2 Public safety entities shall handle data collected by the sUAS for evidentiary purposes in accordance with the regulatory requirements as determined by the AHJ and policies governing DME.
4.3.3 Public safety entities shall handle data collected by the sUAS not of evidentiary value in accordance with the regulatory requirements as determined by AHJ.
4.3.7 Public safety entities shall have a policy that restricts data collection to what is necessary to accomplish the sUAS operation.
4.4 sUAS Mission Objectives and Goals — Operational Needs Assessment.
4.4.1 The deployment of sUAS operations shall be considered an additional segment of an operation or an operation of its own.
4.4.2 The deployment of sUAS operations shall be assessed based on the following:
(1) Mission objectives
(2) Risk assessment
(3) Availability and capability of resources
4.5 sUAS Selection — Needs of the Public Safety Entity.
4.5.1 A purchase specification for the sUAS shall be completed by the public safety entity prior to commencing the acquisition process.
4.5.2 The purchase specifications shall be based on the specific uses and applications as determined by the operational needs assessment.
4.5.3* Any purchase specification shall consider the following:
(1) Operational requirements
(2) Minimum system configuration and specifications
(3) Quantitative data demonstrating sUAS capabilities
(4) Sustainable life cycle
4.6 Concepts of Operations (ConOps). 4.6.1 General Operations.
4.6.2 Multiple Aircraft Operations.
4.7 Operational Applications.
4.7.1* Fire Fighting. Public safety entities that utilize sUAS for fire-fighting applications shall identify what tactics and functions associated with fire fighting are supported by sUAS operations.
4.7.2* Search and Rescue. Public safety entities that utilize sUAS for search and rescue applications shall identify what tactics and functions associated with search and rescue are supported by sUAS operations.
4.7.3* Hazardous Materials Response. Public safety entities that utilize sUAS in hazardous materials response shall identify what tactics and functions associated with hazardous materials response are supported by sUAS operations.
4.7.4* Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Operations.
4.7.5* Law Enforcement Operations.
4.7.6* Other Operational Applications. Public safety entities that perform sUAS operations for other ancillary public safety services shall identify what functions are supported by sUAS operations.

Chapter 5

Professional Qualifications for sUAS Public Safety Personnel

5.1.4.1 Crew Readiness. The availability and readiness of the RPIC and visual observer to deploy for sUAS operations given their knowledge and completion of pre-flight duties. (PQU)
5.1.4.2 Data Acquisition. The collection of information from sUAS for the purpose of fulfilling the mission objectives and goals in accordance with the mission plan. (PQU)
5.1.4.3 Payload Drop. The release of an item or package from sUAS for the purpose of fulfilling the mission objectives and goals in accordance with the mission plan. (PQU)
5.1.4.4 Positive Aircraft Control. Consistently maintaining appropriate control of the aircraft, regardless of the phase of flight or potential distraction of other required tasks. (PQU) 5.1.4.5 Public Safety Personnel. Any individual involved with public safety that has a mission to protect life, property, or the environment or any combination of these. (PQU)
5.1.4.6* Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC). The person who has been found by the public safety entity to be properly qualified to exercise the privileges of remote pilot and has the final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of sUAS operation as determined by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). (PQU)
5.1.4.7 Resources. The equipment, personnel, and facilities required for the sUAS operations provided by the public safety department. (PQU)
5.1.4.8 Risk Assessment. The evaluation of the relative danger of sUAS operations when taking into consideration mission objectives and goals, sUAS, professional qualifications of the RPIC and visual observer, operational readiness of the crew, weather conditions, environmental conditions, regulatory requirements, potential hazards, and operating conditions. (PQU)
5.1.4.9* UAS Coordinator. A public safety person responsible for mission coordination and local deconfliction of multiple aircraft. (PQU)
5.1.4.10 Visual Observer. A person who assists the RPIC and the person manipulating the flight controls of the small UAS (if that person is not the remote pilot in command) to see and avoid other air traffic or objects aloft or on the ground. [14 CFR Part 107, 20161 (PQU)
5.2.1 RPIC, Visual Observers, and Other Supervisory Personnel.
5.2.2 RPIC.
5.2.3 Visual Observer.
5.2.3.1 Visual observers shall meet the job performance requirements defined in Section 5.4.
5.2.3.2 During flight visual observers shall not perform other roles.
5.2.3.3 The visual observer shall be trained prior to deployment in pre-flight, flight, and post-flight duties in accordance with the public safety entities operating procedures.
2400-11
5.3.1 Pre-Flight.
(A) Requisite Knowledge. Knowledge of airspace requirements, weather conditions, crew readiness, resource capabilities, ICS, risk assessments, and regulatory requirements.
(B) Requisite Skills. The ability to produce and communicate a mission plan.
5.3.1.2 Prepare the sUAS operation given a mission plan and resources, so that the sUAS is operated by confirming a state of readiness that demonstrates possession, configuration, and operational functions are checked and verified as operational.
(A) Requisite Knowledge. Knowledge of procedures and information needed to identify, configure, and check systems.
(B) Requisite Skills. The ability to identify, assemble, configure, and verify the operational functionality of sUAS.
5.3.2 Flight.
5.3.2.1 Perform take-off under the regulatory requirements as determined by the AHJ given a specific sUAS and confirmed state of readiness, so that the sUAS takes off after having completed system checks and flight is initiated and maintained in a manner compliant with regulatory requirements.
(A) Requisite Knowledge. Knowledge of aircraft, systems, payload, and changes in environmental conditions, weather, and regulatory requirements relating to the use and operation ofsUAS.
(B) Requisite Skills. The ability to operate the specific sUAS and maintain control in a safe manner during this phase of flight.
5.3.2.2 Maintain visual line of sight given an sUAS in flight along a designated flight path under the regulatory requirements as determined by the AHJ, so that the sUAS is maneuvered in a manner that avoids obstacles and reaches targeted locations and altitudes without losing line of sight of the sUAS in accordance with the approved operational flight plan.
(A) Requisite Knowledge. Knowledge of regulatory requirements, capabilities, and operational controls of the specific sUAS.
(B) Requisite Skills. The ability to operate the specific sUAS and maintain control in a safe manner during this phase of flight.
5.3.2.3* Perform aerial maneuvers given an sUAS in flight within a designated airspace under the regulatory requirements as determined by the AHJ, so that the operator demonstrates positive aircraft control in accordance with the approved operational flight plan.
(A) Requisite Knowledge. Knowledge of regulatory requirements, capabilities, and operational controls of the specific sUAS.
(B) Requisite Skills. The ability to operate the specific sUAS, activate different sUAS functions, and maintain control in a safe manner during this phase of flight.
(A) Requisite Knowledge. Knowledge of mission plan, objectives, regulatory requirements, capabilities, operation of payload functions, and operational controls of the specific sUAS.
(B) Requisite Skills. The ability to operate the specific sUAS, activate different payload functions, and maintain control in a safe manner during this phase of flight.
5.3.2.5 Perform pre-landing procedures given an sUAS in flight within a designated airspace under the regulatory requirements as determined by the AHJ, so that the sUAS is maneuvered in a manner that avoids obstacles while reaching a clear landing area, establishes a configuration for landing, and confirms a decent path free of obstructions.
(A) Requisite Knowledge. Knowledge of aircraft, systems, payload, and the effects of changes in environmental conditions, weather, and airspace requirements for the specific sUAS.
(B) Requisite Skills. The ability to operate the specific sUAS and maintain control in a safe manner during this phase of flight.
5.3.2.6 Perform a landing given an sUAS in flight within a designated airspace under the regulatory requirements as determined by the AHJ and having completed pre-landing procedures, so that the sUAS is maneuvered in a manner that avoids obstacles and is able to touch down at a clear landing area and ceases operational functions without any damage to the sUAS.
(A) Requisite Knowledge. Knowledge of small unmanned aircraft, systems, payload, and the effects of changes in environmental conditions, weather, and regulatory requirements for the specific sUAS.
(B) Requisite Skills. The ability to operate the specific sUAS and maintain control in a safe manner during this phase of flight.
5.3.3 Post-Flight.
5.3.3.1 Complete post flight procedures given an sUAS that has performed a successful landing, so that the sUAS is visually inspected for damage, configured for transport and storage, confirmed ready for service through immediate maintenance, or out of service for scheduled maintenance.
(A) Requisite Knowledge. Knowledge of small unmanned aircraft, systems, payload, transport mechanisms, and storage procedures for the specific sUAS.
(B) Requisite Skills. The ability to complete log books, forms, records, and any digital programs for information from sUAS operations.
5.3.3.2 Conduct a mission debrief given a mission plan and ended sUAS operation, so that the operational tasks necessary to complete the mission are identified as complete, incomplete, or deviated from the designated mission plan for specific reasons.
(A) Requisite Knowledge. Knowledge of mission plan elements, contents, and the potential impact of changes in environmental conditions, weather, and regulatory requirements on the specific sUAS.
(B) Requisite Skills. The ability to communicate and present information obtained from sUAS operations.
5.4 Flight. Duties shall include performing pre-flight and inflight functions for sUAS operations.
5.4.1 Pre-Flight.
5.4.1.1 Evaluate operational role given a mission plan, RPIC, and sUAS operation, so that operational tasks necessary to support the mission are identified, listed, and communicated to the RPIC.
(A) Requisite Knowledge. Knowledge of airspace requirements, weather conditions, and regulatory requirements.
(B) Requisite Skills. The ability to review, understand, and support a mission plan.
5.4.2 Flight.
5.4.2.1 Maintain visual line of sight of the sUAS given an RPIC and an sUAS in flight along a designated flight path under the regulatory requirements as determined by the AHJ, so that obstacles are identified and communicated to the RPIC prior to a potential collision and in a time that allows for corrective action.
(A) Requisite Knowledge. Knowledge of regulatory requirements and operational and flight capabilities of the specific sUAS.
(B) Requisite Skills. The ability to communicate verbally to the RPIC.
Chapter 6 Maintenance of sUAS 6.1 Administration.
6.1.1 Scope. This chapter shall identify minimum requirements for the maintenance of sUAS when used for public safety operations. (See 1.6.3.)
6.1.2 Purpose. The chapter shall establish procedures as part of a program to provide maintenance for sUAS when used by public safety entities in order to reduce risks associated with poorly maintained, contaminated, or damaged sUAS and ensure airworthiness.
6.1.3 Application. The chapter shall apply to new and existing sUAS used by public safety entities.
6.1.4 Definitions.
6.1.4.1 Maintenance Program. A maintenance program is a system or set of procedures for the continuous maintenance of the sUAS in order to ensure airworthiness.
6.2.1 Discrepancy Reporting.
6.2.7.1 Maintenance programs shall have a documented discrepancy reporting procedure for unscheduled maintenance.
6.2.7.2 Discrepancy reporting shall include procedures for removing the sUAS from service, including procedures for identifying those systems determined to be out of service.
6.2.2 Maintenance programs shall require post-maintenance systems checks appropriate to the level of maintenance performed, including firmware and software updates, prior to returning the sUAS to service.
6.2.3 Maintenance programs shall have a documented battery storage, charging, disposal, and emergency procedures policy in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations or agency instructions.
6.2.4 Maintenance programs shall have a documented parts storage policy in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
6.2.5 Recordkeeping.
6.2.11.1 Maintenance programs shall require documentation of all maintenance activities in a logbook.
6.2.11.2 Unless in conflict with any retention policies or laws as determined by the AHJ, maintenance records shall be retained by the public safety department for the life of the sUAS.