NBAA Says Airspace Should Not Be Shared Until UAVs Meet Same Certification And Airworthiness Standards As Manned Aircraft

A hearing Wednesday before the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's aviation subcommittee regarding the safe utilization of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) highlights the urgent need for the FAA to issue federal regulations for the burgeoning industry, said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

"It is clear that lawmakers share our concerns about the widespread proliferation of UAS without clear guidance, or definitive regulation of the industry," Bolen said immediately following the hearing. "It is now more apparent than it's ever been that we urgently need guidance, through the established rulemaking process, which produces a national regulatory framework that enhances safety and creates a reliable set of operating procedures for UAS operators and the broader public alike."

A primary topic at the hearing was the FAA’s failure to meet a three-year-old, congressionally mandated Sept. 30 deadline to implement regulations governing the use of small unmanned aircraft systems, or s-UAS. The agency issued a proposed framework earlier this year, but final rules aren’t expected before 2016.

In his testimony, Deputy Administrator Whitaker noted: “FAA does not underestimate the importance of integrating the range of UAS technology into the NAS, but there are significant safety challenges that must be mitigated for this to occur.”

Bolen echoed that sentiment, noting that NBAA has been directly involved for years in efforts to assist the FAA in moving ahead on UAS policies and regulations in a deliberative, though expeditious, manner.

With that objective in view, NBAA has long maintained that it is imperative that any introduction plan for UAS be focused on safety. This means UAS should not share the same airspace with manned aircraft until they have equivalent certification and airworthiness standards as manned aircraft, including the ability to take timely directions from air traffic control, and to sense and avoid other aircraft and UAS.

NBAA personnel have participated in UAS working groups through RTCA for nearly 10 years, and the Association has unveiled an expansive online resource covering developments in the UAS industry of importance to the business aviation community. View NBAA’s online UAS resource.

Earlier this year, NBAA also joined the "Know Before You Fly" educational initiative to provide prospective users with the information and guidance they need to fly UAS safely and responsibly. NBAA has also expanded the presence of UAS-related materials and seminars, with sessions at the Association’s events addressing the safe operation of UAS, as well as their potential uses within the business aviation industry.

A variety of informative UAS events, presentations and demonstrations are planned during NBAA's upcoming 2015 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA2015) taking place Nov. 17 to 19 in Las Vegas, NV.

"Today's hearing illustrated that our industry must continue to not only work with the FAA and other government officials to facilitate the safe introduction of UAS into the national airspace system, but also to ensure the process moves forward in as timely a manner as feasible," Bolen concluded. "We will continue to remain invested in the important work to be done in this area."

The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) had a seat at the table at the hearing, and called on Congress to direct the FAA to regulate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operated for recreation and hobby.

In his testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Aviation subcommittee, ALPA president Capt. Tim Canoll outlined key components needed for the safe integration of UAS into the national airspace system.

“We must put safety first,” Capt. Canoll said. “The FAA is making some progress in ensuring a safe integration of UAS into the nation’s airspace system, but more is required. While work on a final rule regarding small commercial UAS operations is encouraging, the agency must immediately address all UAS operations.”
 
With the anticipated sales of one million UAS during this year’s holiday season, Capt. Canoll highlighted ALPA’s four-part plan to safely integrate UAS. “Given the safety risk highlighted by the FAA’s recent release of pilot reports on UAS encounters, it appears increased focus on UAS safety is necessary. By focusing efforts on education, registration, technology, penalties, and enforcement, we believe our country can take advantage of the economic opportunities offered by UAS while maintaining safety.”
 
ALPA’s four-part action plan includes enhanced education efforts by aviation stakeholders to ensure that those flying UAS for recreational purposes adhere to the FAA guidelines, including potential minimum age requirements, keeping the UAS within line of sight, and flying at heights under 400 feet. In addition, gathering contact information about the UAS purchaser at the point of sale will not only allow authorities to immediately identify the owner, but it will also drive home the serious nature of operating these UAS.
 
Capt. Canoll emphasized that from a technological perspective, UAS must be equipped with active technologies that ensure it is capable of avoiding a collision with manned aircraft and virtually “fence off” UAS from operating in unauthorized locations. In order for this plan to work successfully, it is imperative that UAS pilots be properly trained and fully understand the consequences of exceeding the operating limitations and possible malfunctions.
 
Anyone deliberately flying a UAS recklessly should be subject to criminal prosecution, and those who unintentionally deviate from rules and limitations should be subject to civil penalty.
 
“ALPA stands ready to help the FAA develop these regulations as part of realizing our shared goal of ensuring the safety of air transportation for all who depend on it,” concluded Canoll.

(Source: NBAA, ALPA news releases. Images from file)

FMI: www.nbaa.org, www.alpa.org