Exhibition FAA Regulations for UAS Operationsbw-03c6b06952c750899bb03d998e631860-bwcore.s3.amazonaws.com… · • 2013 - FAA began inviting various industry groups and specific

TAPS 49th Annual Conference &

Exhibition

FAA Regulations for UAS Operations

10 March 2017, Murfreesboro, TN

George Southard

George Southard:

Master’s Degree in Photogrammetry and Cartography

40 years working in the mapping industry

Owner – GSKS Associates LLC

“Consulting for the Geomatics Profession”

Introduction

Definition of Terms

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. (UAV)

An aircraft which is intended to operate with no pilot on board.

• Unmanned Aircraft System. (UAS)

An unmanned aircraft and its associated elements which are operated with no pilot on board.

• Remotely-Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).

A set of configurable elements consisting of a remotely-piloted aircraft, its associated remote pilot station(s), the required command and control links and any other system elements as maybe required, at any point during flight operation.

Drones Vs. UAVs

What is the difference?

Both are airborne flying vehicles that are designed to

be flown without a human pilot on board the aircraft

• Drone – The term drone carries a connotation of

being an unmanned vehicle used for military or spy

operations. (The term Drone is not recognized or

used by the FAA.)

• UAV/UAS – Is perceived as being an unmanned

aerial vehicle (or system) used for civilian purposes.

A Little History

o The first powered UAV was developed in 1916 and was to be a guided missile, but the work stopped on the project after the end of WWI.

o Nearly all UAV development from 1916 to 2010 was for military and security/intelligence purposes.

o The first non-military uses for UAVs include: boarder patrolling, search & rescue, atmospheric R&D, photo reconnaissance, etc. These users converted military drones for civilian use.

o Remote controlled (RC) aircraft have been developed and used by hobbyist since the early 1930s.

o The Academy of Model Aeronautics, based Indiana, and founded in 1936, is dedicated to the promotion of model aviation as a recreational activity.

Update on US Regulatory Situation

• Current FAA regulations regarding UAS in the National

Air Space

• 1981 - AC 91-57 – “1. PURPOSE. This advisory circular

outlines, and encourages voluntary compliance with, safety

standards for model aircraft operators.”

• 2006 - DOT Docket No. FAA-2006-25714 – “The FAA

recognizes that people and companies other than modelers

might be flying UAS with the mistaken understanding that they

are legally operating under the authority of AC91-57. AC91-

57 only applies to modelers, and thus specifically excludes its

use by persons or companies for business purposes.”

../GWS-files/Consulting Activities/Survey - Gatewing/FAA_ AC91-57.pdf






../../Desktop/DOT Docket No. FAA-2006-25714-uas.pdf








FAA Rule Making Process

Sausage Making – “…a long, messy process,

requiring good skill and a bad sense of smell.”

• The Process: How we got 14 C.F.R. part 107 (Part 107):

o Proposed rule sets were developed by ASTM or RTCA

o These rules are presented to the FAA

o The FAA reviews and amends the rules as they see fit

o The amended rule set is released to the public for comment via

the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM)

o Following the public notice period the rule is once again

reviewed and amended

o This amended rule set is circulated through several interested

federal agencies, i.e. DOD, FCC, DOT, OMB etc.

o Once cleared by the agencies then the rule set is activated and

becomes a standard FAA operating regulation

o This process took years to complete – 2008 - 2016

UAS Rulemaking Process


• 2008 – FAA created an Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) to

begin the process of creating a set of operating rules for the uses of

small UAS for commercial operations in the National Air Space

(NAS)

• 2010 – FAA contracted with ASTM and RTCA to research issues

and solutions to development and implementation of operating

rules for commercial UAV operations

• 2012 - FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 signed into

law. This was the reauthorization for the FAA to continue

operating. Congress included:

Subsection B, Sec. 332. Integration of Civil Unmanned

Aircraft Systems into National Airspace System.

• Section 333. included rules allowing commercial operators

to apply for temporary authority to do limited commercial

operations. More that 3000 such exemptions were awarded

between November 2014 and August 2016.


• April 2012 the FAA authorized the ASTM the right to work on

rules aimed at the safe integration of sUAS into the National

Airspace System (NAS).

• ASTM established committee F-38 as the standing committee

to perform this function. This committee consists of 120

industry, governmantal and acedemic experts specializing in

small UAS.

• 2013 - FAA began inviting various industry groups and specific

companies to brief their UAS Integration Office on UAS

operations for thier industries.

• This included Trimble, Inc. and MAPPS

• FAA was interested in ideas from organizations/industries

whose members were licenced professionals.

Final Rule Adopted and Released

• 14 C.F.R. part 107 (Part 107) became

effective as of August 29, 2016. o This regulation governs the use of small UAS for

commercial operations

o Part 107 does NOT apply to: • Model aircraft; • Operations conducted outside U.S.; • Amateur rockets; • Moored balloons; • Unmanned free balloons; • Kites; • Public aircraft operations; or • Air carrier operations

• There are basically four sections in the regulation: • FAA News – Part 107 Summary (on FAA web site) 1. Aircraft System Requirements 2. sUAS Pilot in Charge 3. Operational Limitations 4. Waivers

PART 107 - Summary

https://registermyuas.faa.gov/


Aircraft System Requirements

• All sUAS operating pursuant to Part 107 must be registered

prior to operation. https://registermyuas.faa.gov/

• Total aircraft weight cannot exceed 55lbs., including fuel,

batteries and cargo (such and camera).

• No FAA Airworthiness Certification (AWC) required in Part

107. However! o Quality UAS Manufactures either have, or are working toward, AWC

o Most “consumer” mfg. not interested in AWC.

o AWC adds costs to UAS, but:

• Improves insurability

• Adds marketing credibility

• Reduces legal exposure

Aircraft System Requirements




• A person applying for a remote pilot certificate with

an sUAS rating must meet and maintain the

following eligibility requirements, as applicable:

• Be at least 16 years of age;

• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the

English language;

• Be in a physical and mental condition that would

not interfere with the safe operation of an

sUAS; and

• Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test at an

FAA-approved knowledge testing center.

Pilot in Charge (PIC) requirements

Remote Pilot Certification

• However, a person who already

holds a pilot certificate under Part 61

is only required to successfully

complete a Part 107 online training

course, found at • www.faasafety.gov


http://www.faasafety.gov/

Initial sUAS PIC Knowledge Test

• Aeronautical knowledge topics:

• Applicable regulations relating to sUAS privileges,

limitations, and flight operation;

• Airspace classification and operating requirements, and

flight restrictions affecting small UA operation;

• Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on small

UA performance;

• Small UAS loading and performance;

• Emergency procedures;

• Crew Resource Management (CRM);

• Radio communication procedures;

• Determining the performance of the small UAS;


• Aeronautical knowledge topics:

• Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol;

• Aeronautical decision-making (ADM) and judgment;

• Airport operations; and

• Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures.

• Study Guide FAA-G-8082-22

Initial sUAS PIC Knowledge Test, (cont.)


remote_pilot_study_guide.pdf







Recurrent Testing/Training

• After an individual receives a remote pilot

certificate with an sUAS rating, that person

must pass a recurrent aeronautical knowledge

test within 24 calendar-months and every 24

months thereafter.


• The recurrent knowledge test covers the following areas:

• Applicable regulations relating to sUAS rating privileges,

limitations, and flight operation;

• Airspace classification and operating requirements and

flight restrictions affecting small UA operation;

• Emergency procedures;

• Crew Resource Management (CRM);

• Aeronautical decision-making and judgment;

• Airport operations; and

• Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures.

Recurrent Testing


Pilot in Charge (PIC) Operations Requirements

o Remote Pilot in Charge (PIC) of a sUAS is:

• directly responsible during all operations of sUAS

• the final authority for the operational safety of the sUAS.

o The remote PIC must have a valid pilot certificate with a sUAS rating

issued by FAA

o A person who does not hold a remote pilot certificate may operate the

UAS under Part 107, as long as he or she is directly supervised by a

remote PIC and the remote PIC has the ability to immediately take direct

control of the sUAS.

o OIC may choose to use a visual observer to aid in an sUAS operation.

• The remote PIC and visual observer must be able to effectively

communicate at all times

• both must have the ability to obtain visual line of sight of the sUAS

at all times.

Autonomous Operations

o Autonomous operation is allowed under Part 107.

o During automated flight, the remote PIC must also have

the ability to change routing/altitude or command the

aircraft to land immediately.

o The remote PIC must be able to satisfactorily avoid a

hazard or give right of way to other aircraft.

o The use of automation does not allow a person to

simultaneously operate more than one sUAS at a time.


Physical and Mental Condition

• The PIC and/or Visual Observer may not participate in the operation of an sUAS if:

o They know or have reason to know that they have a physical or mental condition that could interfere with the safe operation of the sUAS.

o They have temporary or permanent loss of the dexterity necessary to operate the control station to safely control the sUAS;

o They are unable to maintain the required “see and avoid” vigilance due to blurred vision;

o They are unable to maintain proper situational awareness of the sUAS due to illness and/or medication(s) (such as after taking medications with cautions not to drive or operate heavy machinery);

o They have a debilitating physical condition, such as a migraine headache or severe body ache(s) or pain(s) that would render the remote PIC or visual observer unable to perform sUAS operational duties;

o They have a hearing or speaking impairment that would inhibit PIC and visual observer from effectively communicating with each other.


Operation While Impaired

• Part 107 prohibits an individual from serving as a remote PIC or visual observer if he or she: • Consumed any alcoholic beverage within the preceding 8 hours;

• Is under the influence of alcohol;

• Has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or greater; and/or

• Is using a drug that affects the person’s mental or physical

capabilities, including marijuana.

• Certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy, may also impair an

individual’s ability to safely operate an sUAS, and it is the

remote PIC’s responsibility to ensure that any such medical

condition is under control and the individual can safely conduct

an sUAS operation.


UAS Operation Limitations

• Cannot be flown faster than a groundspeed of 87 knots (100 mph);

• Cannot be flown higher than 400 feet AGL, unless flown within a 400-foot

radius of a structure and does not fly higher than 400 feet above the

structure’s uppermost limit;

• Minimum visibility, as observed from the control station, may not be less

than 3 statute miles; and

• Minimum distance from clouds cannot be less than 500 feet below a cloud

and/or less than 2000 feet horizontally from a cloud.

• Daylight operations only: operations are not allowed between the end of

evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight.

• When operations are conducted during civil twilight (in the continental

U.S., 30 min. before sunrise and 30 min. after sunset), the sUAS must be

equipped with anti-collision lights.

• No person may operate an sUAS in a careless or reckless manner or so as to

endanger the life or property of another.

• No person may allow an object to be dropped from a sUAS in a manner that

creates an undue hazard to the life or property of another

• A sUAS may not carry hazardous material, as defined by 49 C.F.R. 171.8


Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Operation o The remote PIC and visual observer, if one is used, must be able to see the

small UA at all times during flight. o Visual line of sight must be accomplished and maintained by unaided vision

(with the exception or eyeglasses or contact lenses). o Vision aids (such as binoculars) may be used only momentarily to enhance

situational awareness.

o For operational necessity, the remote PIC may intentionally maneuver the UA so that he or she loses sight of it for brief periods of time; such as behind a building.

o Should the remote PIC or person manipulating the controls lose visual line of sight of the small UA, he or she must regain visual line of sight as soon as practical.

o If visual line of sight cannot be regained, the remote PIC should follow pre-determined procedures for a loss of visual line of sight.

o Even though the remote PIC may briefly lose sight of the small UA, he or she always has the “see-and-avoid” responsibilities set out in Part 107.


Operation At Or Near Airports

o Unless the flight is conducted within controlled airspace, no notification or

authorization is necessary to operate near an airport.

o Operations in Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace, or within the lateral

boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport,

are not allowed unless the operator has prior authorization from air traffic

control (ATC). UAS Operations allowed only in Class G airspace.

o For recurring or long-term operations in a controlled airspace, prior

authorization could include a letter of agreement (LOA) to identify

shortfalls and establish operating procedures for sUAS.

o A sUAS remote PIC must also check for NOTAMs prior to each flight to

determine if there are any applicable airspace restrictions.


• External load operations are allowed if the object

being carried by the sUAS is securely attached and

does not adversely affect the flight characteristics or

controllability of the sUAS.

External Load Operations


• Transportation of property for compensation or hire is also allowed, provided that:

• The aircraft, including its attached systems, payload, and cargo weigh less than

55 pounds total;

• The flight is conducted within visual line of sight and not from a moving

vehicle or aircraft; and

• The flight occurs wholly within the borders of a single State

• The requirements to maintain visual line of sight and the prohibition of operation

from a moving vehicle cannot be waived.

• No hazardous materials can be carried by a sUAS under Part 107.

Transportation of property


Preflight Inspection

• Before each flight, the remote PIC must inspect the sUAS

to ensure that it is in a condition for safe operation.

• The preflight inspection should be conducted in

accordance with the sUAS manufacturer’s inspection

procedures when available and/or an inspection procedure

developed by the sUAS operator. Use of check lists is

strongly advised.

• FAA Advisory Circular AC 107-2 contains a 24 item list

which the FAA recommends are included in a visual or

functional check prior to flight.


sUAS Maintenance

• sUAS maintenance includes scheduled and unscheduled overhaul, repair, inspection, modification, replacement, and system software upgrades of the sUAS and its components necessary for flight.

• Though it is encouraged, there is currently no requirement in Part 107 that maintenance records be kept by the operator.

• sUAS maintenance and inspection best practices can be found in FAA Advisory Circular AC 107-2.


Accident/Deviation Reporting

• The remote PIC is required to report an accident to the FAA

within 10 days if it meets the following thresholds:

• A serious injury, such as an injury that requires

hospitalization, but is fully reversible (including, but not

limited to, head trauma, broken bone(s), or lacerations that

require suturing).

• Damage to any property, other than the sUAS, if the cost is

greater than $500 to repair or replace the property (whichever

is lower).


• The report of the operation that created the injury or damage,

and may be submitted to the appropriate FAA Regional

Operation Center (ROC) electronically or by phone. Reports

may also be made to the nearest jurisdictional FSDO.

• In accordance with the criteria established by the NTSB, certain

sUAS accidents must also be reported to the NTSB.


Accident Reporting (cont.)

• In the case of an in-flight emergency, the remote PIC is permitted to

deviate from any rule of Part 107 to the extent necessary to respond

to that emergency. A remote PIC who exercises the emergency

power to deviate is required, if requested by FAA, to send a written

report to the FAA explaining the deviation.


Emergency Authority

Operating Over Persons

• Part 107 prohibits a person from flying a small UA directly over a person who is not under safe cover, such as a protective structure or stationary vehicle

• However, a small UA may be flown over a person who is directly participating in the operation of the sUAS, such as the remote PIC, other person manipulating the controls, a visual observer, or crewmembers necessary for the safety of the sUAS operation, as assigned and briefed by the remote PIC.

• This prohibition can be waived by applying for a Certificate of

Waiver with the FAA.


Operation From Moving Vehicles

• Part 107 permits operation of an sUAS from a moving land or water-borne

vehicle over a sparsely-populated area, but operating from a moving aircraft is

prohibited.

• Operators transporting another person’s property for compensation or hire may

not operate the sUAS from a moving vehicle.

• The prohibitions concerning operating a sUAS from a moving vehicle can

potentially be waived by applying to the FAA for a Certificate of Waiver.

• However, waiver is not permitted to allow operation from a moving vehicle

when transporting another person’s property for compensation or hire.

• It is considered to be inherently careless and reckless for an individual to be

flying an sUAS while driving a moving vehicle, and, therefore, the remote PIC

or person manipulating the flight controls cannot be driving the motor vehicle

while operating an sUAS under Part 107.


Waivers from Part 107 Requirements

• § 107.200 Waiver policy and requirements.

• (a) “The Administrator may issue a certificate of waiver authorizing a deviation from any regulation specified in § 107.205 of this subpart if the Administrator finds that a proposed small UAS operation can be safely conducted under the terms of that certificate of waiver.”

Waiver of Part 107 Requirements

• A Certificate of Waiver allows a sUAS operation to deviate

from certain provisions of Part 107 if the FAA finds that the

proposed operation can be safely conducted under the terms

of the Certificate of Waiver.

• The application for waiver must contain a complete

description of the proposed operation and a justification,

including supporting data and documentation, that

establishes that the proposed operation can be safely

conducted under a Certificate of Waiver.

• Although not required, the FAA encourages applicants to

submit their application at least 90 days prior to the proposed

operation.


• The following sections of Part 107 can be waived with a Certificate of Waiver: • § 107.25, Operation from a moving vehicle or aircraft.

However, no waiver of this provision will be issued to

allow the carriage of property of another by aircraft for

compensation or hire;

• § 107.29, Daylight operation;

• § 107.31, Visual line of sight aircraft operation;

• § 107.33, Visual observer;

• § 107.35, Operation of multiple small unmanned aircraft

systems simultaneously;

• § 107.37(a), Yielding the right of way;

• § 107.39, Operation over people;

• § 107.41, Operation in certain airspace;



•Waivable sections of Part 107

• Waivers Granted

•Operation from a moving vehicle or aircraft (§ 107.25) 1

• Daylight operation (§ 107.29) 300

•Visual line of sight aircraft operation (§ 107.31) 2

•Visual observer (§ 107.33) 3

•Operation of multiple unmanned aircraft systems (§ 107.35) 9

•Yielding the right of way (§ 107.37(a)) 0

•Operation over people (§ 107.39) 1

•Operation in certain airspace (§ 107.41) 0

•Operating limitations for small unmanned aircraft (§ 107.51) 2

• Total Waivers Approved (as of 23 Jan 2017) 318

•Approximately 1200 waiver requests have been denied

Questions?

Documents

Exhibition FAA Regulations for UAS Operationsbw-03c6b06952c750899bb03d998e631860-bwcore.s3.amazonaws.com… · • 2013 - FAA began inviting various industry groups and specific