What do you think are the greatest challenges for integrating UAS into the NAS?
One of the main challenges for integrating UAS into the NAS is the extra levels of communication and demand on ATC. Current UAS usage within NAS requires authorization for permission to operate within a controlled airspace. These authorizations are based on case-by-case scenarios with most of it depending heavily on ATC. A way to help ATC is through the implementation of UAM. UAM aims to provide safe and productive usage of UAS services within urban areas for cargo or even air passenger through autonomous operations. However, a standard operating procedure will need to be implemented when the FAA does integrate UAS into NAS for proper adherence across the board for all UAS applications.
How will UAS be incorporated into the FAA’s NextGen initiative?
According to the FAA (2016) the original plan was to extend NextGen initiatives to UAS between 2016-2020. In order to safely incorporate UAS into the FAA’s NextGen enterprise, the FAA is focusing on the unique navigation, surveillance, and communication abilities of the UAS while navigating through NAS. NextGen possesses capabilities that provide efficient communication between the UAS pilot and air traffic control to ensure dynamic situational awareness of all involved parties. UTM is one way the FAA is working towards safely integrating UAS through research on how UAS can operate at low-altitude levels in hopes to develop a structured traffic management plan.
What is DSA and how will it affect UAS integration into the NAS?
DSA technology allows UAS to integrate within NAS through the capability of observing the environment encompassing the UAS while detecting if a collision is possible, ultimately issuing the UAS a new flight path. This technology provides the UAS the capability to continue safe separation from other airborne aircraft or even unknown obstacles.
What are the implications for a lost link scenario by a UAS in the NAS? Are there human factors involved in this situation?
Lost link situations with a UAS are when the pilot loses either communication or control with their aircraft. When a pilot loses contact with the aircraft, a back-up, pre-programmed emergency route may be implemented depending on the UAS system. The human factors involved with this situation are loss of situational awareness for the pilot and ATC and the inability to help prevent possible collisions. This could be detrimental for the UAS along with possible harm to a human life if the UAS crashes.
Thanks,
EMW
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