Two primary focus for integration of UAS into the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS)
1) Keeping UAS well clear of other aircraft
2) Mitigating risk
Specific details regarding announcement:
- Weigh less than 55lbs
- 100mph airspeed and 500ft above ground level (AGL) altitude limits
- Unaided visual line of sight (glasses acceptable)
- Buffer between manned/unmanned aircraft (as authorized by ATC at airport)
- N/A to recreational
- Daytime operations
- New knowledge test based UAS operator certificate (24 mo recurrent testing; broad access to testing centers); fundamentally different than being a private pilot, but do need to understand how to operate in same airspace as manned aircraft; treated as endorsement on current ratings (needed by current pilots) with no separate medical requirement
- Pre-flight inspection by pilot
- No airworthiness certificate required
- Must operate under clear set of parameters to maintain safety
- Need to determine if a category for micro aircraft is warranted (4.4lbs or less; public comment requested)
Related points/comments:
- President Barack Obama just released policy (memorandum) regarding military use of UAS (i.e., privacy and protection)
- More than two dozen 333 exemptions have been approved thus far for commercial operations
- This rule will accommodate future innovation in the industry
- Wide variety of activities, especially those that are dangerous, where UAS can provide benefit:
- Public safety/inspection
- Academic education and research and development
- Wildlife conservation/crop monitoring
- Aerial filming
- Proposed rule, not a final rule; it is a milestone towards NAS integration; very focused on the large class of potential users
- FAA continues to support aggressive research into beyond line of sight (BLOS); there will still be other activities (e.g., research) to support the evolving industry and its needs
- Significant comments expected, but comprehensive framework has been proposed to address comments; feedback will help to determine the best plan to support operation and users, comments are encouraged
- Operators must continue to apply for approval (including 333 exemption), until this rule finalized
- Safety is number one priority; working as quickly and safely as possible to achieve integration
- Compliance will be achieved through education (i.e., public outreach; e.g., Know Before You Fly campaign) and use of enforcement tools to prevent operation in careless and reckless manner (same as manned aviation); rule, as finalized, will provide flexible access and accommodation that ensures highest levels of safety
Read more about this proposal at: http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=18295&cid=TW299
UPDATE (16 Feb 2015): Check out the following links from sUASNews.com, which provide addition information and insight regarding the FAA announcement and the Presidential memorandum:
This announcement and release of the proposed rules for operation of sUAS represents an exciting step towards achieving full UAS integration into the NAS. The FAA has proposed a method of providing airspace access to a significant number of users, without requiring undue financial burden (est. $300 every 24mo; supports accommodation). This framework is further anticipated to ensure the establishment and maintenance of safety (highest priority), support growing interest in this technology, and encourage innovative use and development of associated capability (i.e., technological advancement). As of late, many stakeholders in this industry had voiced concerns that existing regulatory practices and policies were not conducive to the success and growth of the unmanned systems industry. However, with this recent development, the FAA has demonstrated their willingness to work collaboratively with stakeholders to create a safe, efficient, and effective operating environment that supports the needs of users, including researchers, academics, training specialists, entrepreneurs, recreational hobbyists, first response personnel, and safety advocates.
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