Up until now training flights by COA pilots that were engaged with non-federal entities have not been allowed under a COA.
As of November 12, 2021, this has changed.
Non-federal entities flying a UAS under a COA can now legally conduct limited training flights under the adjusted FAA interpretation.
The limitation is the training flights can only be conducted with the entities’ own aircraft and their own crews for a training mission that meets the government function requirement.
Training of another entity’s crew or non-owned aircraft is NOT a Public Aircraft Operation and is not permitted.
While a slight adjustment to the COA regulation interpretations the COA remains less attractive to operate under than Part 107 that provides the most flexibility and least administrative overhead.