The use of Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle (UAV), have been developed and grown in the U.S. in the last decade. As
noted by my Aviation Senior Seminar Instructor Dr. Tartalone most of this
growth has been seen in the military. I will reflect on my research in response
to his proposed topics of “Integration of UAVs into the National Airspace System.”
and” Lack of regulations governing flight safety. (Both
domestically and globally.)”
When it
comes to integrating UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) in national airspace
system (NAS) the FAA has already begun development in that field. They have developed a new department called Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Office, this office will deal with the integration of UAS specifically and their development into NAS.
The FAA
allows Civilian use of UAS for the purpose of research and development,
training and flight demonstrations. (FAA 2012) The FAA also has authorized use
of UAS in limited airspace for important missions such as disaster relief,
search and rescue, surveillance, law enforcement, border patrol, military
training and testing evaluation. The FAA will allow civilians to fly UAS only
upon obtaining one of two certificates. An experimental airworthiness certificate
for private sector to do research or development, training and flight
demonstrations or a Certificate of
Waiver or Authorization (COA) for public aircraft.These
certifications have restrictions on both where and how the UAS will be conducted in NAS. For more information please
reference Certifications and Authorizations.
The FAA as of now will not allow UAS to be flown in class B airspace as well as any other densely populated areas.
In regards to regulating aviation safety of UAS, in 2012 congress directed the FAA through the FAA Modernization and Reform act of 2012, to establish a program to integrate UAS into NAS with six test sites which will help develop and monitor integration . The FAA is still working with congress on location and development of these sites.
I found that most of the concerns people have UAV with privacy when it comes to surveillance. In an interview with Micheal Toscano, President of the Association for Unmanned Vehicles Systems International, when asked his thoughts on the privacy on the integration of UAV into NAS he had the following to say,
As the FAA rule-making process continues to unfold, there will be many opportunities to engage in an open and thoughtful discussion surrounding the responsible use of UAS and how the data the UAS collect is stored, used, and deleted. AUVSI and its members are committed to continuing to work with groups and individuals from all industries, political affiliations, and ideological backgrounds to ensure privacy concerns are addressed while moving forward with this beneficial technology (Toscano 2012)I agree that there is a tremendous lack of regulation when it comes UAS but I am also confident in FAA to take steps to make changes, provide growth, and help regulate the inergration. With associations like AUVSI working with the FAA and also providing its own studies i believe it will allow for a smooth transition and a safer environment.
Sources
Federal Aviation Administration (2012, December 14) Fact sheet- Unmanned Aircraft Systems-(UAS). Retrieved on February 1, 2013 from : http://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=14153
Whittle R, (Interviewer) & Toscano M,(Interviewee) (2012). Are we ready for Drones in American Airspace? [Interview transcript] Retrieved from: http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military/planes-uavs/are-we-ready-for-drones-in-american-airspace-9538170
How would you feel about hoping into a A320 to fly from Detroit to Tampa with no one in the cockpit? I wouldn't go as far to say that UAVs will be safer than aircraft today because the human element is more or less gone. The major problem with UAVs is the basic "see and avoid" concept that is taught at the private level and used in every flight by every pilot. We have come a long way since the Wright brothers, but having UAVs everywhere will just clutter up the airspace and make it unsafe. That's just my opinion though.
ReplyDeleteAdam, the invasion of private citizen privacy is an interesting concern. Having been in aviation in the military, I can tell you that some of the optical technology that can be mounted to an aircraft is ridiculously advanced. I was listening to NPR this morning, and they had an interview with an architecture student who had designed a “UAV Proof” neighborhood for a school project. Obviously, there are people concerned about this invasion potential. I, personally, do not have any concerns about this because I know that operating these things is quite expensive, and nobody will be that interested in what I am up-to. Yet, I can understand why people could find this to be too intrusive. Also, the text of your blog is difficult to read with the dark background, I had to highlight it to read the post….
ReplyDeleteAdam I completely agree with your statement that there isn't enough regulation yet, but I also do expect the FAA to step in soon and enable new regulations. I also believe that using UAV's for transportation, many passengers would fear that there isn't a Pilot aboard. A question of mine is what can the FAA do to prevent civilian's using UAV's to spy on others?
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