The UAV Collaborative offers a wide range of services to support further research, development, and commercial implementation of UAV technologies. Below are some of the major services provided: National Airspace authorization | Flight safety Assurance | Payload/platform selection and integration Image processing | Platform and payload operations | Education and training Proper airspace management is a critical component of UAV mission safety and success. First of all, airspace analysis determines the proposed airspace for UAV activities, and identifies the organizations responsible for authorizing said flight operations. The flight team must then obtain a Certificate of Authorization (COA) from the FAA for UAV operation in US national airspace. To date, the FAA has not published any guidelines that define the process civil proponents are to use in obtaining the COA. Civil proponents are instructed to use the same criteria used by Department of Defense UAV proponents, as contained in FAA Order 7610.4, Special Military Operations, Ch. 12, Sect. 9. This Order suggests that DoD proponents submit an "Application for COA" to the appropriate FAA Region's Air Traffic Division (ATD) at least 60 days prior to the beginning date of the planned UAV flight operation. The application must include: (1) a detailed description of the proposed UAV operation, including the classes of airspace required, (2) the UAV's physical characteristics and operational capabilities (e.g., cruise speed, climb/descent rate), (3) method used to control the UAV (remote or autonomous), (4) method used to avoid other aircraft, (5) coordination and communication procedures, (6) contingency plans, and (7) a statement of airworthiness. Upon approval and issuance, the COA may impose additional conditions for flight conduct. For instance, a Notice to Airmen may need to be broadcast prior to flight in order to warn other pilots in the area of UAV activites. Also, a direct communications link, either telephonic or personal, is typically maintained between the FAA and the UAV mission manager.