scope:

Purpose of This Order. This order establishes procedures for issuing special airworthiness certificates in the experimental category for the purposes of research and development, market survey, or crew training to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and manned aircraft integrated with UAS technology. For the purposes of this directive, manned aircraft integrated with UAS technology are referred to as optionally piloted aircraft (OPA). The procedures contained in this order apply to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) manufacturing aviation safety inspectors (ASI) and to FAA airworthiness ASIs. Currently, representatives of the Administrator or delegated organizations are not authorized to issue special airworthiness certificates in the experimental category to UAS and OPA.

Note: The use of the word "should" throughout this order refers to a recommended practice. The associated activity is not a requirement; therefore, a record of completeion is not required.