New FAA Research and Oregon Drone Safety

At present, Oregon’s public at large remains unsure about drone operations over Oregon and are showing signs of concern about the efficacy of safe, non-disturbing drone flights and whether or not drone pilots and their avionic equipment are up to the all-important task of keeping our skies safe, while not disturbing people, places, and things like Oregon’s sacred wildlife and our state’s many fascinating nature and exploration areas.

FAA drone research and development activities are ongoing and remain on the forefront of drone safety and drone equipment proficiencies.  The Federal Aviation Administration works together internally while maintaining large-scale partnerships with government, industry, and academia to design integrated research processes that aid in the evolution of “best practice” regulations, standards, procedures, guidance, and policies for drone missions and operations.

Activities ranging from modeling, simulation, drone flight tests, technology appraisals, risk assessments, data collecting and analysis help the FAA more accurately consider intelligence in these areas; rending the Agency the wherewithal to make informed decisions on safe drone integration:

1. Detect and Avoid
2. UAS Communications
3. Human Factors
4. Safety Systems
5. Certification

Drone Pilot Resources

The following resources illustrate the work being accomplished and the essential partnerships that make it possible to more safely and proficiently advance drone research and development activities.

Center of Excellence (COE)

The FAA UAS Center of Excellence – the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE) – is comprised of 15 of the world’s leading research institutions, led by Mississippi State University, along with 8 affiliate universities. It focuses on research, education, and training in areas critical to safe and successful integration of drones into the nation’s airspace.

UAS Traffic Management (UTM)

UAS Traffic Management (UTM) refers to a system designed to manage and regulate the increasing number of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, operating in the airspace. As drones become more prevalent for various applications such as package delivery, aerial photography, inspections, and other commercial purposes, there is a need to establish a framework that ensures safe and efficient integration of these vehicles into the airspace.

UTM aims to provide a comprehensive solution for managing drone operations, similar to how air traffic control systems manage manned aircraft. It involves the development of technologies, protocols, and procedures that enable communication, coordination, and collaboration between drones, operators, and other stakeholders.

The key objectives of UTM include:

1. Airspace management: UTM systems facilitate the organization and allocation of airspace for drone operations. This involves defining different airspace classes and designating specific areas for different types of drone activities.
2. Flight planning and authorization: UTM enables drone operators to plan their flights and request authorization for specific operations. It involves submitting flight plans, including details such as the intended route, altitude, and duration, to ensure proper coordination and compliance with airspace regulations.
3. Traffic coordination and separation: UTM systems ensure the safe and efficient movement of drones by managing their trajectories and providing real-time traffic information. This helps prevent conflicts and collisions between drones and other airspace users.
4. Communication and information exchange: UTM relies on robust communication systems to enable seamless exchange of information between drones, operators, and UTM service providers. This includes sharing important data such as flight intentions, weather conditions, airspace restrictions, and other relevant information.
5. Remote identification and tracking: UTM incorporates technologies that enable the identification and tracking of drones in real-time. This helps authorities and stakeholders monitor drone operations, enforce regulations, and mitigate security risks.
6. Integration with existing aviation systems: UTM is designed to integrate with traditional air traffic management systems, allowing for harmonized operations between manned and unmanned aircraft. This integration ensures safe coexistence in shared airspace.

UTM is still an evolving field, and various stakeholders, including government agencies, aviation authorities, drone manufacturers, and technology companies, are actively working on its development and implementation. The goal is to establish a scalable and interoperable UTM infrastructure that supports the growth of the drone industry while maintaining safety and efficiency in the airspace.

UAS Information Papers

UAS Information Papers are one-page status reports on research conducted or being conducted regarding the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones into the National Airspace System (NAS).

UAS Test Sites

UAS Test Sites support drone integration by providing an avenue for the drone industry and stakeholder community to conduct more advanced drone research and operational concept validation.

Embracing Drone Futures: Awareness, Education, and Time

From the motion picture industry and critical search and rescue missions to innovative aerial package delivery and pinpoint-accurate agricultural mapping and surveying, drone aircraft and its aerial global industry are here to stay. In fact some say we might, in time, all be traveling autonomously by drones. Until then, by way of ongoing public awareness initiatives, purposeful continued education campaigns, and a bit of time, people, communities, and municipalities throughout Oregon and all across the country will become more familiar, more accustomed, more accepting to drone pilots and their ever-amazing flying machines.

The Takeaway