How to get a Class 3 Waiver
After a lot of reading last year, the answer for non-spaceport locations is:
You need to submit an Application for Certificate of Authorization or Waiver, FAA form 7711-2, which can be found here.
We need only fill out items 1-10, and item 17, as detailed in the instructions. Submit this to the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) (Reno for Black Rock) at least 45 days (so 90 days) prior to the launch. If approved, we will receive back a Certificate of Authorization, which is an FAA form 7711-1. This will give details as to the approval, rocket launches are frequently provided with a List of Special Provisions which outline exactly any conditions under which you must operate (i.e. during daylight, respecting flight commit criteria). The Aviation Safety Inspector is the P.O.C for questions or requests for additional information.
Reference Documents
FAA Waiver Example: http://www.tripoli.org/Portals/1/Documents/C3RC/Class%203%20Package%20Example.pdf
Blank FAA Waiver (7711-2): https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Form/7711-2_08-08.pdf
Additional Data Requirements for FAA waiver: http://www.tripoli.org/Portals/1/Documents/C3RC/FAA-AST%20Addl%20Data%20Requirement%20in%20Tabular%20Format.pdf
FAA Part 101.29 – Regulation that governs Class 2 and Class 3 waivers: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2010-title14-vol2/pdf/CFR-2010-title14-vol2-sec101-29.pdf
Flight District Standards Offices
| Address | Phone Number | Zone of Control | Contact | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reno FSO | 5466 Longley Lane Reno, NV 89511 | (775) 858-7700 | Black Rock | Contact | Website |
Albuquerque FSO | 1601 Randolph Road Se Albuquerque, NM 87106 | (505) 764-1200 | Contact | Website | |
| Van Nuys FSO | 16501 Sherman Way Van Nuys, CA 91406 | (818) 267-3300 (General) (818) 267-3313 (S. Krantz) | Contact | Website |
See additional notes Van Nuys FSDO for previous contacts to that location.
Notes from meeting with ESRA and the NMSA
FAA has no jurisdiction in DoD (read Spaceport America) airspace - only when WSMR requests it.
USC did file a waiver. They called it in to .... who? we don't know. - Albuquerque FSO
WSMR cleared the airspace.
NMSA had 48 hours warning on launch window.
USC never directly contacted WSMR.
USC worked the class 3 process with AST and ATO,
Other Notes
We may need this form in addition to the FAA Waiver if we need to fly at a Tripoli launch. This form is nominally not needed.
Submission Template (ONLY IF WE FLY AT A TRIPOLI LAUNCH): http://www.tripoli.org/Portals/1/Documents/C3RC/Project%20Submission%20Template%202018.pdf