What type of FAA approval is required for unmanned aircraft systems to operate in specific airspace for defined purposes?

The requirement for a Certificate of Waiver / Authorization (COA) is pivotal for unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) aiming to operate in designated airspace under certain conditions. This approval is necessary for operations that fall outside the typical regulations set forth by the FAA, allowing for flexibility in operations while ensuring safety and compliance with national airspace management. With a COA, operators can specify the parameters of their flight activities, including the airspace they intend to use and the purposes of those operations.

Obtaining a COA involves submitting a detailed request to the FAA, demonstrating how the proposed operations will comply with safety and operational guidelines. This requirement emphasizes the FAA's commitment to managing airspace safely, particularly as the use of sUAS continues to expand for various applications such as aerial photography, surveying, and agriculture.

In contrast, the other options serve different functions within the realm of aviation safety and regulation, focusing on aspects like certification authenticity, non-standard flight operations, or operational safety management but do not address the specific needs for defined airspace operations by unmanned systems.