DAF Form 11: Groups 1 & 2 sUAS Evaluation Form Guide – The Department of the Air Force (DAF) Form 11, officially titled Groups 1 and 2 sUAS Evaluation, is a critical standardization and evaluation tool for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) operators. It ensures safe, proficient, and compliant operations for Group 1 and Group 2 drones across the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, Civil Air Patrol (when in auxiliary status), and authorized contractors.
This form replaced earlier tools like the AFSOC Form 13 and supports the rigorous training, currency, and evaluation requirements outlined in DAFMAN 11-502, Group(s) 1 and 2 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (updated as of 2025).
What Are Groups 1 and 2 sUAS?
The Department of Defense categorizes unmanned aircraft systems by size, weight, and capability:
- Group 1 sUAS: Small, lightweight systems (typically under 20 lbs) used for short-range reconnaissance, surveillance, and tactical support. These are highly portable and common in field operations.
- Group 2 sUAS: Slightly larger systems (up to 55 lbs) with greater endurance and payload capacity, suitable for extended missions.
These groups fall under the broader “small UAS” category (Groups 1-3), which dominates most military and commercial drone operations in the U.S. National Airspace.
Purpose of DAF Form 11
DAF Form 11 standardizes evaluations for:
- Initial Training (IT)
- Mission Training (MT)
- Difference Training (DT)
- Biennial evaluations
- sUAS-Instructor (sUAS-I) upgrades
sUAS-Instructors (sUAS-Is) use the form to document performance in key areas, ensuring operators maintain high standards of safety, judgment, and mission effectiveness. Results are recorded alongside AF Form 1381 and filed in the individual’s training record in the SUASMAN system.
Key Features of the Form (based on the official PDF):
- Part I: General information (Name, Grade, DoD ID, Unit, sUAS system, Evaluation Type).
- Part II: Graded Areas with SAT/UNSAT/N/A markings. Critical areas marked with an asterisk (*) (e.g., Safety, Judgment, Emergency Procedures) result in an overall UNSAT if failed.
- Part III: Endorsements by Evaluator, Reviewer, and Examinee.
Areas highlighted in red require entries for all evaluations. The form includes space for mission description, comments, and overall grade.
Download the Official DAF Form 11 Here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a3/form/daf11/daf11.pdf
Why DAF Form 11 Matters for U.S. Military and Civilian Operators?
Compliance with DAF Form 11 and DAFMAN 11-502 supports:
- Safety and Risk Mitigation: Emphasizes emergency procedures, airspace rules, and flight discipline.
- Standardization: Ensures consistent training across units, MAJCOMs, and even Civil Air Patrol auxiliary missions.
- Regulatory Compliance: Aligns with FAA Part 107 for small UAS, DoD policies, and Air Force directives for operations in the National Airspace System.
- Mission Readiness: Supports tactical employment, including air-launched sUAS from manned or RPAs.
An UNSAT in any critical area triggers remediation and documentation, protecting both personnel and assets.
How to Use DAF Form 11?
- Preparation: Review applicable sections of DAFMAN 11-502 for your specific evaluation type.
- Conduct Evaluation: sUAS-I administers the evaluation (flight, simulator, knowledge tests).
- Grading: Mark SAT, UNSAT, or N/A. Provide detailed comments.
- Documentation: File in SUASMAN with supporting forms.
- Review: Commander or designated reviewer approves as needed.
MAJCOM equivalents or approved forms may be used where authorized.
Related Resources for USA Operators
- DAFMAN 11-502: Primary guidance for Group 1 and 2 sUAS operations (available on e-Publishing.af.mil).
- DAFMAN 11-501: Broader sUAS management for Groups 1-3.
- e-Publishing.af.mil: Official source for all DAF forms and manuals.
- SUASMAN: Training records management system.
For Civil Air Patrol members in AFAM status, the program mirrors Air Force standards for Groups 1 and 2 platforms.
Stay Compliant and Current
U.S. Air Force personnel, Guardsmen, Reservists, and authorized operators should regularly check e-Publishing.af.mil for the latest versions of DAF Form 11 and DAFMAN 11-502, as updates incorporate changes from Joint Publications and operational lessons.
Proper use of this form enhances operational effectiveness, reduces risks, and ensures the Department of the Air Force maintains its edge in small unmanned systems technology.
This article is for informational purposes and is based on official Department of the Air Force publications as of 2025-2026. Always refer to the most current guidance from e-Publishing.af.mil and your unit Stan/Eval office.