Derek Hufty

Derek Hufty is the manager of the General Aviation and Commercial Branch (AFS-750) within the FAA’s Emerging Technologies Division (AFS-700). AFS-750 is office of primary responsibility for Part 107, UAS policy and regulations under Part 61, 91, 133, and 137. 750 is also responsible for Part 107 waiver requests, petitions for Part 61, 91, 133 and 137 UAS exemptions, policy related to 44809 Recreational Flyers, NEPA compliance for UAS, and 363 authorizations. Prior to joining the FAA, Mr. Hufty served 4 years in the United States Army as a tactical unmanned aerial vehicle operator. His background in 20 years of UAS work include weight and balance, human factors, hardware/software integration, safety analysis, data analysis, project management, and flight tests. Mr. Hufty holds private pilot (rotorcraft–helicopter) and remote pilot certifications