STEM Kit sUAS Information (Standdown Memo)

Distribution

- All Region / CPs

- All Wing / CPs

Colleagues,

This message is provided as a reminder about the sUAS stand down on federal installations, and answer frequently asked questions.

Effective immediately, Civil Air Patrol has been directed to suspend all indoor and outdoor operations involving STEM kit small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), as well as any other sUAS not listed on the approved “Blue” sUAS list, when operating on federal installations.

This stand down does not apply to systems listed on the Blue sUAS approved list, which may continue to operate without restriction: https://www.diu.mil/blue-uas-cleared-list

With numerous summer activities and encampments currently underway, including some located on federal property, your assistance in sharing this information with the appropriate individuals is appreciated.

Please review DAFMAN 11-501, SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT, and DAFMAN 11-502, GROUP(S) 1 AND 2 SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.

FAQs:

What do I need to know concerning the AE STEM Kit Stand Down?

A COTS UAS is a Commercial Off-The-Shelf Unmanned Aerial System. These are ready-made and commercially available, and most can connect directly to the internet through Wi-Fi signal posing a cyber security risk for the Department of Defense (DoD). Air Force Manual AFMAN11-501 released in January 2025, regarding CAP COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) sUAS operations prohibits COTS from flying indoors on an installation. All sUAS AE STEM Kits are not to be flown indoors or outdoors on any federal installation.

How does the AE STEM Kit Stand Down and AFMAN 11-501 affect me?

CAP Commercial sUAS non-blue and non-red sUAS cannot be flown, powered on, and/or charged indoors or outdoors on a military installation.

How do I know if I have a COTS UAS?

AE STEM kits are a COTS UAS.
Any corporate UAS that is not on the “blue” or “red” list unless an Exception to Policy (ETP) has been approved by the Secretary of Defense is a COTS UAS.

What are Blue and Red assets?

CAP “Blue” and “Red” UAS are “air-gapped”, do not connect to the internet, do not present a cyber security risk for the DoD, and are excluded from this requirement. CAP “Blue” and “Red” UAS have been preapproved for use within approved missions on installations. Blue assets are listed on an ETP (Exception to Policy) and are: Skydio X10D, Skydio X2D, Wingtra. Red assets are listed on an ETP (Exception to Policy) are: Rizer Mitigated DJI.

Can I fly Blue and Red assets on an installation?

Yes and No. Blue and Red assets can only be flown during approved missions on installations as listed on the Exception to Policy for each respectively.

Can I store an AE STEM kit or other non-Blue or non-Red sUAS kit on an installation?

Yes. However, the kit and/or batteries cannot be charged, powered on, or tested.

Does this include state installations for National Guard?

Yes. This is a federal installation.

I am a qualified CAP sUAS Pilot, how does the Stand Down affect me?

No action is required to report on STEM Kits. However, any non Blue or non Red sUAS kit must not be charged, powered on, or tested on an installation.

I have previously flown a STEM Kit or non-Blue or non-Red sUAS kit on an installation indoors. Am I still able to fly indoors?

No. You may not fly these on an installation.

Please direct any questions through your chain of command.

Christopher Guarniere

CAP | Interim Director of Cadet Programs (CAP/CP)

Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary

(O) 334-953-9210

GoCivilAirPatrol.com

Volunteers serving America's communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.