Research Performed By The FAA And NASA To Help Facilitate UAV Integration Into The NAS

The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on Wednesday held a hearing to review research and development (R&D) performed by the FAA and NASA that could facilitate commercial Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly called drones, to be integrated into the National Airspace System.

“Commercial drones have the potential to carry out a wide range of tasks across a broad range of sectors, including agriculture, weather, energy and disaster relief," said Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX). "However, due to the delays in integrating UAS into the National Airspace System, the public is not yet allowed to use drones to do any of these things.  Many other countries have developed a regulatory framework supportive of drone use for such activities.  Consequently, some U.S.-based companies have moved research, development, testing and high-paying jobs overseas.”
 
In 2013, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International estimated that in the next ten years over 100,000 U.S. jobs could be created as a result of UAS integration into the National Airspace System. The report also notes that continued delays in integrating drones in the National Airspace System could cost the U.S. more than $10 billion per year, or $27.6 million per day, in potential earnings from investment in drone R&D.
 
However, last June the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General released an audit report that criticized the FAA for being slow to integrate drones into the National Airspace System.  The audit concluded it’s unlikely that integration would be completed by the September 2015 deadline.
 
The FAA and NASA are working together to ensure safe and successful integration of drones in the National Airspace System.  Some of the research being done includes sense-and-avoid capability and command-and-control technologies.

(Image of UAV demonstration during hearing from committee website)

FMI: http://science.house.gov