Essential Components for a UAS Standard Operating Procedure Manual for State Departments of Transportation

The integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) within state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) has become increasingly essential for improving efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance in transportation operations. However, the lack of a standardized approach to UAS program management has resulted in variability in policies, procedures, and implementation strategies across state agencies. This study examines how state DOTs incorporate the Association of Unscrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Organizational Implementation Guide (OIG) 35 essential components into their UAS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and identifies 13 additional components that address agency-specific operational, regulatory, and administrative needs. Through an analysis of publicly available SOPs and survey responses, the research explores areas of alignment, variation, and gaps in standardization among state UAS programs. Findings indicate that while FAA regulatory compliance components—such as Part 107 licensing, aircraft registration, and mission planning—are widely implemented, significant inconsistencies exist in areas such as training requirements, maintenance programs, safety protocols, and record-keeping policies. Additionally, state DOTs have adopted non-OIG components, including procurement policies, data security measures, inter-agency collaboration frameworks, and emergency response planning, to address evolving UAS applications. Given the unique regulatory and operational contexts of each state, the study recommends a flexible best-practices approach rather than rigid standardization, ensuring that all agencies maintain core safety and compliance principles while adapting their UAS programs to their specific needs. These findings contribute to the growing discourse on UAS governance and provide a foundation for enhancing policy frameworks, fostering inter-agency cooperation, and strengthening the overall effectiveness of UAS integration within state DOTs.