Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

Steve WeidnerNational Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)

National UAS Representative

March 8, 2016

Small UAS Rule� Final rule (Part 107) expected summer 2016

� Major Provisions Proposed:

� Less than 55 pounds

� Maximum altitude of 500’ AGL

� Maximum airspeed 100 MPH (87 knots)

� Within Visual Line of Sight/Daytime operations only

Bridge to the Small UAS RuleSection 333

� Required by Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012

� Bridge for commercial UAS operations before finalization of sUAS Rule

� Enables commercial activity

� Nearly 4,000 Section 333 exemptions have been granted by the FAA

Current Activities to Enable IntegrationsUAS Operations 400’ AGL and Below

• 5 miles from towered airports

• 3 miles from airports with an instrument approach

• 2 miles from airports without an instrument approach

• Within Visual Line of Sight

• Daylight/VFR/VMC

Current Activities to Enable Integration

� Visual Line of Sight Over Populated Areas

� Extended Visual Line of Sight

�Beyond Visual Line of Sight

Other Activities

�Rouge UAS Detection

� Combined Manned and Unmanned Pattern Operation

Other Activities� UAS Registration

� Hobby UAS Only

� Between .55lbs (250 g) and 55lbs (25 kg)

� $5 for three years

� Proposed Micro-UAS Rule� 4.4 lbs (2 kg) or less

� Materials “that break, distort, or yield on impact so as to present a minimal hazard to any person or object.”

Challenges to Integration

Challenges to Integration

• UAS Need to be Able to Comply With “See and Avoid”

• Standardized Lost Link Procedures Need to be Developed

• Standardized Air Traffic Procedures Need to be Developed

QUESTIONS?