AIA Steps Out on UAS Integration Efforts
Unmanned aircraft systems have tremendous potential to contribute to the economic, technological and competitive well-being of the United States. While it is important that UAS are integrated as part of NextGen, they are minimally addressed in FAA's 2010 NextGen Implementation Plan.
AIA’s UAS Subcommittee has been actively engaged with government agencies on the issue of UAS integration as it seeks to expand market opportunities for AIA member companies. Marion Blakey recently sent a letter to FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt advocating for a national strategic plan for UAS integration. This plan would identify necessary policies, regulatory changes and procedures, as well as airspace and global harmonization requirements. It would also lay the foundation for productive government-industry collaboration in this area.
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Aurora Flight Sciences' Skate small UAS sees over a wall. |
The subcommittee has also established dialogue with NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate and FAA’s UAS Program Office, with speakers from each office at its February meeting. The discussion at the meeting covered industry contribution to the integration process, timelines and agency budgetary outlooks as well as AIA priorities.
Another focus of AIA’s efforts is the release of the Small UAS Rule (CFR 107), which will allow small UAS greater access to the National Airspace. The ability to fly UAS without going through a lengthy bureaucratic process will benefit all manufacturers that wish to expand testing and grow the end-user market.
UAS are urgently needed to perform missions of vital importance to national security and defense and emergency management in addition to scientific and commercial applications. AIA’s efforts in this area will assist the government by providing much-needed technical expertise in addition to raising the visibility of our UAS advocacy.
AIA Source: cortney.robinson[at]aia-aerospace.org
