But Says Air Transportation Safety Must Be 'Paramount' In FAA Rules

The head of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) wrote in a recent editorial for USA Today that pilots see UAVs as a "potential danger" to the safety of airliners in the U.S.

Capt. Tim Canoll wrote that, while ALPA is not opposed to UAVs, the organization is for their "safe integration" into the National Airspace System (NAS). He says that unmanned systems "must meet the same high level of safety and security standards as other airspace users. Regardless of whether they are used by hobbyist or for commercial purposes, rules are being developed for both small aircraft under 55 pounds and large ones that weigh more."

Canoll said that pilots need to be able to see any UAS operating in "my airspace, intentionally or unintentionally, on my cockpit display of traffic." He says that air traffic controllers need to be able to see them as well.

Canoll says that UAS pilots "must also be required to meet the same training and qualification standards that I am required to meet."

The ALPA president said that despite FAA rules that require line-of-sight operation below 400 feet of altitude at least five miles from an airport, serious safety questions remain for airline pilots.

He concludes by saying that the nation "needs to make wise decisions based on safety" as the integration process proceeds.

FMI: www.alpa.org, Full Article