Any Rule Must Ensure Safe Operations Are Priority #1

The National Business Aviation Association provided feedback to the FAA and TSA regarding proposed regulations for drone operations, in part stating that any rules for such operations must ensure that safety is the highest priority.

The recent notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) contained provisions pertinent to the FAA that would permit some low-altitude, BVLOS or beyond visual line of sight operations by UAS without a waiver or exemption. It would also create operating rules for UAS operations such as package delivery, surveying, agriculture, public safety, and flight testing.

Heidi Williams, Vice President of Air Traffic Services and Infrastructure for NBAAA pointed out that “NBAA has a unique interest in this NPRM, as many of our members who have operated manned aircraft for decades are now adding UAS to their mission planning. In addition, some NBAA member companies use UAS exclusively in furtherance of their businesses.”

She added that NBAA considers the proposed rules as fundamental to integrating UAS and other technologies into the National Airspace System as they are critical for safety, operational efficiency, and national security.

That said, members have expressed some concerns, including the crucial need for electronic conspicuity or position-sharing for all aircraft using the NAS.

Williams added, “Electronic conspicuity solutions must be interoperable within the NAS and among relevant user groups, and must consider current and future technologies. ADS-B is one, but not the only means, of achieving effective electronic conspicuity.

“Industry standards could be used to identify appropriate means of achieving electronic conspicuity. Universal position sharing through electronic conspicuity across all aircraft in the NAS would also negate the need for complex changes to the existing right-of-way regulations, since UAS would simply detect and avoid all other aircraft.”

FMI:  nbaa.org/