How long does the FAA generally take to review and decide on a waiver application for a drone operation?

How long does the FAA generally take to review and decide on a waiver application for a drone operation?

• A. 15 days
• B. 30 days
• C. 60 days
• D. 90 days

Answer: (B)

The time frame being tested is the typical processing period for a Part 107 waiver. After you submit a complete waiver package, the FAA generally aims to complete the review and issue a decision within about 30 days. This reflects the agency’s expectation that straightforward requests with clear safety justifications can be evaluated in roughly a month. If the proposal is more complex or additional information is needed, the review can take longer, but 30 days is the common expectation for a standard waiver. Shorter timelines like 15 days are less common because a thorough safety assessment is required, while longer windows such as 60 or 90 days are more likely in unusual or complex cases or during backlogs.

The time frame being tested is the typical processing period for a Part 107 waiver. After you submit a complete waiver package, the FAA generally aims to complete the review and issue a decision within about 30 days. This reflects the agency’s expectation that straightforward requests with clear safety justifications can be evaluated in roughly a month. If the proposal is more complex or additional information is needed, the review can take longer, but 30 days is the common expectation for a standard waiver. Shorter timelines like 15 days are less common because a thorough safety assessment is required, while longer windows such as 60 or 90 days are more likely in unusual or complex cases or during backlogs.