BY ORDER OF THE
SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE
AIR FORCE INSTRUCTION 11-502, Volume 3
26 APRIL 2012
Flying Operations
SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
OPERATIONS
COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY
Publications and forms are available on the e-Publishing website at
www.e-Publishing.af.mil for downloading or ordering.
There are no releasability restrictions on this publication.
OPR: HQ AFFSA/A3O
Certified by: HAF/A3/5
(Col Gregg D. Vanderley)
Pages: 62
This publication implements AFPD 10-9, Lead Command Designation and Responsibilities for
Weapon Systems and AFPD 11-5, Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rules, Procedures, and
Service. It establishes requirements, responsibilities, and guidelines for operation of Air Force
SUAS by Air Force military and civilian personnel, personnel of other services and foreign
personnel assigned or attached to USAF units, and contracted Small Unmanned Aircraft System
Operators (SUAS-O) as stipulated in contracts. This publication applies to the Air Force Reserve
Command (AFRC) and the Air National Guard (ANG.) Headquarters, Air Force Flight Standards
Agency (FOA-AFFSA) is the Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR). This AFI may be
supplemented at any level, but supplements must be coordinated with the OPR prior to
publication. MAJCOMs will forward copies of supplements to HQ AFFSA Workflow
(hqaffsa.cce@tinker.af.mil) for coordination prior to publication. Refer recommended changes,
improvements and questions about this publication to the OPR, on AF Form 847,
Recommendation for Change of Publication. Route AF Form 847s through MAJCOM channels
IAW AFI 11-215, USAF Flight Manuals Program. Ensure that all records created as a result of
processes prescribed in this publication are maintained in accordance with AFMAN 33-363,
Management of Records, and disposed of in accordance with the Air Force Records Disposition
Schedule (RDS) located at https://www.my.af.mil/afrims/afrims/afrims/rims.cfm
Chapter 1—POLICY AND RESPONSIBILITIES 6
1.1. General. .................................................................................................................. 6
1.2. Key Definitions: ..................................................................................................... 6
1.3. SUAS Operator. ..................................................................................................... 6
