Fort Wayne Indiana PD Receives First Part 107 DFR Waiver w/o VO

On December 9, 2024 Fort Wayne IN PD received the VERY FIRST Part 107 Drone as a First Responder (DFR) waiver without VO and was approved in 5 weeks.

It is actually a new waiver that combines BVLOS, OPS over People and OPS over Moving Vehicles and doesn’t require a visual observer and is called the Public Safety Organization Obstructed Shielding Waiver PSO.OS

This waiver allows for 200’ AGL or 200’ above the highest obstacle and by adding in the IRIS CaseaG sensor allows up to 400’ AGL. Requires a parachute, anti-collision light and ADS-B in receiver. This is Class G airspace. DRONERESPONDERS is working with the FAA to include controlled airspace.

This waiver is open to any public safety organization, is not restricted to emergency operations and doesn’t require a COA.

This is a huge accomplishment and recognition to Fort Wayne Police Officers Matt Rowland and Michael Hickman for this ground breaking work.

Also thanks to the FAA Flight Standards Team!