A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/696483
Ru nway Safety Call 2 Action Communication Initiative – A Runway Safety Best Practices Workgroup will be taking place June 20 - 24. Workgroup tasking and Charter will be disseminated next week. U NMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS ): Steve Weidner (ZMP) is the NATCA Art icle 48 Representative for UAS. Jeff Richards (ZAU) is assisting Mr. Weidner on this project due to the workload and activity associated with it. UAS Ops at SYR On June 15th, the New York ANG began flying regular unmanned operations from the Syracuse (SYR) airport. MQ9 Reapers are flying in the same pattern with manned aircraft. The NY ANG previously conducted operat ions from Ft. Drum, NY, but has now moved their operation to SYR. This marks the first sustained operation of unmanned aircraft at a non - mili tary, FAA controlled airfield. A great deal of coordination and effort went into pr eparation of these operations. Great work by our controllers at SYR who worked hard to make this operation possible. Small UAS Rule (sUAS) - Part 107 The FAA will release the final version of the long - awaited small UAS rule, creating 14 CF R Part 107 in the near future. This rule will dramatically change the way small UAS a re able to operate in the NAS. Commercial s UAS operations will no longer have to apply for, and receive, a Section 333 exemption and a certificate of authorization (COA), provided their flight will be operated in accordance with the specif ications laid out in the rule. The rule will take aff ect 60 days after publication. Mr. Weidner and Mr. Ric hards have been working with the FAA on implementation communications and procedures. Expect more informatio n over the next several weeks. NATCA has set up an email address ( part107@natca.net ) to field any questio ns our members may have on Part 107 and how this new rule will affect the NAS. Global Hawk COA Workgroup NATCA and the FAA have assembled a one - day Global Hawk COA (certificate of authorization) workgroup that w ill meet on Wednesday, June 22, at FAA Head quarters. The purpose of this workgroup is to discuss national Global Hawk operating procedures and work toward an updated national Global Hawk COA. Mr. Weidner and Mr. Richards will lead this effort for NATCA along with Scott Gardner (AJV115 Emerging Te chnologies Manger). NATCA will also be represented by Jeff Plendl (ZLA), Derrick Liffrig (ZMP), Rich Ferris (NCT), Danny Watson (ZAB) , and Greg Daughenbaugh (ZOA). There will also be FAA representatives from the service centers, AJV8 (Air Traffic Procedu res), AJT (Air Traffic Services), AGC (FAA Le gal), and AJR2 (AT O Security). Additionally, there will be representatives from the US Air Force in attendance .