Guide to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
Key Words: what is a "drone?"
Drone - a term used to describe unmanned aircraft, in use by the US Military since the 1940's to describe unmanned target planes. Now commonly used to describe any unmanned/remotely-piloted aircraft. While drones can be programmed to fly automatically, they still need operators and technicians to fly and service them.
UAS - the aircraft, control system, launcher, and any other associated equipment
SUAS - small unmanned aircraft system (aircraft under 55 lbs.)
Where we are (for more information see www.faa.gov/uas )
73,000+ commercial UAS pilots in the U.S (FAA, March 2018)
300,000+ UAS pilots needed by 2022 (FAA, March 2018)
Most common uses include real estate photography, industrial inspection, and agricultural surveys
Recreational flight is permitted as long as it doesn't endanger national airspace system (new rules coming soon)
Why use a drone?
Drones can be used to do anything dull, dirty, dangerous; more safely and efficiently than a manned aircraft
Dull - tedious, monotonous, time-consuming
Dirty - risk to pilot
Dangerous - risk to pilot , aircraft, and people on the ground
Current industry: mainly SUAS companies, expect growth in USA up to ~$10 billion by 2020
Film - TV shows, movies, Super Bowl commercials, X Games, Winter Olympics
First responders - search and rescue, accident investigation
Aerial photography - make maps and photograph real estate properties
Inspection - inspect antenna towers, bridges, construction sites, pipelines
Agriculture - track growth of crops and apply seeds and fertilizers
Research - collect samples of seawater, air, pollution, patrol wildlife areas
Military - used for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
Future jobs: larger aircraft, higher altitudes
Delivery - deliver packages, medical supplies, water
Traffic - monitor traffic flows, highway and railway conditions
Ranching - monitor herds, track animal health
Current Requirements for (Commercial) UAS Operators
FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, with the following limitations:
Aircraft must remain within visual line of sight and stay under 400 feet above ground level
No flights near airports with a control tower unless authorized
