FAA Bans Local Police From Using Unmanned Air Surveillance.

We hear a lot about the success the US Military has with Unmanned Air Vehicles, or UAV's for missions such as reconnaissance and even air support for ground troops. But the FAA has banned local law enforcement agencies from using UAV's for surveillance operations at potential crime scenes, and that chafes some local officials.

Tim Adelman, an aviation lawyer who is currently lobbying the Federal Aviation Administration on behalf of certain law enforcement bodies -- so far with limited success -- told the online publication Government Technology, "The FAA is essentially trying to scare people into not using these devices or to require stricter authorization. But that policy exceeds their authority granted by Congress,"

Law enforcement professionals say UAV's could have a wide range of practical uses, such as observing signs of activity inside and outside a house or building during a hostage situation, following stolen vehicles, and keeping track of forest fires and flooding. In fact, in 2004, NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center said "The UAV's ability to fly into dangerous situations makes it the perfect candidate for the detection and suppression of forest fires."

Sergeant Brian Muller at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department maintains that the UAV is ideal in search and rescue operations for missing children. He condends that they cover a large amount of ground in a short time, and could mean the difference of life or death in some cases. In times when local governments are squeezed by tight budgets, the cost of a UAV versus the cost of a helicopter makes them seem like a very attractive option.

But the FAA's Les Dorr said UAV's are not yet reliable enough for operation in US airspace. "There is nothing to our knowledge and no UAS (Unmanned Air System) technology at this time that would allow unmanned aircraft to meet the same 'see and avoid' standard that manned aircraft have to operate under," he told Digital Communities. "Pilots must maintain vigilance during flight to avoid other pilots within their air space by constantly scanning for other aircraft," Dorr added.

Lawyer Aldeman said that 'see and avoid' standard would be met because the UAV's would be operated by police personnel in the vicinity of the aircraft, and that they would not be used in controlled airspace near airports. He contends public agencies can operate UAV's in compliance with all Federal regulations without additional authorization.

FMI: http://www.uavforum.com/