A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/793416
Our goal is to enable UAS to safely and efficie ntly operate in the N ational A irspace S ystem. In order to do that, we have to ensure the safety of other aircraft and people and property on the ground, and consider the needs of traditional airspace users. This past August, the FAA's Small UAS rule went into effect, allowing drones weighing less than 55 pounds to fly up to 400 feet above ground level in uncontrolled airspace, and in controlled airspace with the FAA's authorization. The ATO evaluates each authorization request to ensure they do not pose a hazard to manned aircraft or impact airspace or airport operations. We're working with NASA to develop a concept for a UAS traffic management system, an effort called UTM. UTM research will inform airspace operational requirements to enable large - scale visual and beyond visual line of sight operations in low altitude airspace. The first step of UTM includes a tool that will automate the airspace authorization process. We're also working with industry and other U.S. government agencies on a UAS Detectio n Initiative, which involves testing technologies that would detect unauthorized drone operations near airports and other critical infrastructure, and in unauthorized airspace. We've evaluated some of these technologies around airports in New York, Atlanti c City , and Denver, and will be doing additional research at Dallas - Fort Worth later this year. We will use the data and findings from these evaluations to draft recommendations for standards that will help inform airport operators nationwide who are consi dering installing drone - detection systems. As we move forward, we're working closely with the FAA's Drone Advisory Committee (DAC), a 35 - member group representing the interests of industry, government, labor, and academia. This group will help us determi ne and prioritize the key issues involved with ensuring safe integration. One of the DAC's first steps is to identify the highest - priority UAS operations and how industry can gain access to the airspace to conduct these operations. All of this work helps us to lead safe global integration of UAS. We're working with our international partners to determine standards for international regulations and develop best practices and guidance for air traffic service providers. I want to thank everyone in ATO who are working on these UAS integration activities, and I look forward to seeing ho w this work develops this year. Week of Feb. 18 - 24: The ATO's Engineering Wonders Hi everyone. Some of the biggest engineering feats in history are projects like the Panama Canal, the Hoover Dam, the highway system , and the Internet . I certainly would put the National Airspace System on that list too. How we've built and maintained the NAS, and how we're modernizing it now, is truly impressive. ATO's engineers perform esse ntial functions to make these things happen. With National Engineers Week going on, I want to take a moment to acknowledge their contributions.