14 FAA Releases UAS Plan and Roadmap

This Episode: We parse the recently released and much anticipated FAA reports on Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Comprehensive Plan: A Report on the Nation’s UAS Path Forward [PDF] The Plan outlines the path for integration of civil UAS into the National Airspace System. It seeks to transition from individual approvals to a standard process integrated into the NextGen environment. High-level strategic goals provide for public integration leading to civil integration for both small UAS (under 55 lbs.) within visual line-of-sight, and all other UAS. The Plan is required under the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, and was developed by the FAA Joint Planning and Development Office under the guidance of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) Senior Policy Committee. Integration of Civil Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the National Airspace System (NAS) Roadmap [PDF] The Roadmap outlines the tasks, assumptions, dependencies, and considerations needed to enable UAS integration into the NAS. The Roadmap looks at three “perspectives:” 1. Accommodation. Near-term accommodation of access to the NAS on a case-by-case basis. 2. Integration. Establish UAS threshold performance requirements that increase access to the NAS. Near- to mid-term with implementation of sUAS rule, mid- to far-term for other UAS. 3. Evolution. All required policy, regulations, procedures, guidance material, technologies, and training are in place and routinely updated to support UAS operations in the NAS operational environment as it evolves over time.