From AMA Today December 2010 (electronic newsletter)
Update on FAA
The FAA process to create regulation for the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) in the national airspace continues to move forward. There's been a lot of speculation about what will be contained in the sUAS proposed rule that is scheduled to be released as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) sometime in June 2011.
The NPRM will contain proposed regulation that will most likely have some impact on model aviation. The FAA is prohibited by law from disclosing the exact language in the NPRM until it's released in the Federal Register. However, we have been able to determine, in a generic sense, what some of the proposed language might be. The Aviation Rulemaking Committee’s report submitted to the FAA in 2009 indentifies many of the sUAS issues under consideration; however the specific recommendations in the report may or may not be reflected in the final rule. We know that the NPRM will most likely address things like how high, how fast, and where a model aircraft may fly. We know that the FAA has drawn a hard line between recreational use and commercial use.
AMA is continuing to work with the Unmanned Aircraft Program Office (UAPO) within the FAA and is in contact with the UAPO on a weekly, if not daily basis. Over the past 90 days there have been five face-to-face meetings with AMA and the UAPO staff. AMA’s internal workgroup, consisting of members with a diverse and knowledgeable model aviation background meet by conference call weekly and continues to develop standards that will eventually be submitted to the FAA for adoption that will allow modelers who follow these standards additional latitude from the rule. The foundation of our standards has always been the National Model Aviation Safety Code and its supporting documents including our Turbine Waiver Program and our Large Model aircraft Program. Recently a member of the UAPO office has been regularly attending these calls.
We're fighting a tough battle between keeping our members informed and not painting an overly tenuous picture of the future of model aviation. Not knowing exactly what will be in the proposed rule makes this a difficult challenge. And we're still working through some issues today that may be satisfactorily resolved before the NPRM is released. At the same time we need to make sure our members are aware, engaged, and prepared to react, if necessary, when the time is right.
The FAA has been invited to the AMA Expo in January. They have accepted. Our intent is to hold a roundtable Q&A session to help clarify a number of issues. This roundtable will be open to those in attendance and will also be taped and posted online. The Expo will also signal the beginning of an increased awareness campaign to keep the model aviation community as informed as possible as we move into 2011 and the eventual release of the NPRM.
– Dave Mathewson AMA President
Comments
I know its way too much to ask for,
A hobby size sUAS Class up to 5 kg all up weight with a max battery or fuel weight of 2 kg. This larger class allows a realistic sized 2 kg payload for scientific, aerodynamic & long duration surveys. FAA could tier the required downlink data: PICVSAA,TM with hobby grade Transponder above 400' with appropriate FailSafe actions based on desired range out to 20 miles and altitude up to 3000' in non-populated areas: deserts, dry lakes or over large private property: western cattle ranches, farms or agriculture lands.
Trappy and others have demonstrated most of these capabilities, an affordable hobby class transponder standard will need to be developed by FAA.
Airframe, Pilot & Range Safety Observer certification programs, similar to high power rocketry, where certified Mentors oversee and approve new pilots and airframes to next sub-tier by system and pilot demonstrations each sub-tier increasing in range and altitude.
Range Safety Observers and AirFrame Inspectors will require extended certification levels after receiving certified sUAS Pilot status. Mandatory insurance is required as you start Pilot certification program. With reduced rates upon graduation and after maintaining a good safety record.
Fair question. I think there are a number of reasons why the sUAS w/ autopilot community should at least be aware of what's going on between the AMA and FAA. First, the simple use of the term "sUAS" is an issue. Until very recently, sUAS, to me, meant a small aircraft capable of autonomous flight. At some point along the way it became all-inclusive. Now it applies to RC model airplanes with or without autopilots, FPV aircraft and perhaps others (e.g. free flight). That's kind of a shame, in my opinion, because it muddies the waters. In any case, the AMA seems to have embraced the term and, by design, default or misunderstanding, brought sUASs w/ autopilots under their umbrella of discussion.
Second, I'm sure that many, if not most, hobbyists in the U.S. who are currently, or want to be, flying DIY Drones, are current AMA members and would like to openly fly their planes at AMA club fields. For many of us, I think, AMA fields are our only option for flying model aircraft of any kind. When I finally build my own sUAS, I would like to be able to fly it at my AMA field.
Finally, I think the AMA, if it is to be a proactive and relevant organization promoting the technological development of model aircraft, should embrace new technologies like airborne telemetry, FPV and autopilots and strive to work them into their programs (can't think of better term at the moment).
What is the purpose of a waypoint capable sUAS if it must remain in the line of sight. You may as well fly it manually. Does anybody actually agree that 1500 foot radius is a generous offering or that it actually requires an onboard autopilot?
I understand the wisdom of section 4 of the ARC recommendations related to suas. There are a lot of professionals out there that will be wanting to use very capable airframes, that whole ball of wax from Class I and up is handled consistently and appropriately.
I believe that a Class 0 can be defined, for those that truly want to play suas, with the freedoms currently enjoyed. Not only would I define it with an extremely light weight, 500 grams, and low speed, But actually require onboard real time video telemetry in this class so that the pilot in command can take over. I'm talking about a 1 pound airframe full up. Loss of r/c link, loss of video link, etc, would require a failsafe.
I'd be willing to follow all of the requirements including obtaining a pilot license and everything as mentioned in section 4. I'd be willing to keep it non commercial and keeping it under 400 feet and all of the other restrictions except for LOS. The size and weight and speed of a Class 0, along with the requirement of PICVSAA capability on board, should be enough to allow for the only class of airframe permitted to go beyond LOS. I would argue that it would be the safest class of model in any airspace. I further request that standard pilot insurance covers this and only this type of suas, Class 0, not the ama or anyone else. I don't want to be stuck at an ama field to fly my precious airplane while some knuckleheads are doing 3D aerobatics with their 0.90 sized copters.
A Class 0 airframe would probably attract most suas flyers willing to get the license and pay the insurance.
Instead of 2.2kg airframes stuck at ama fields, you would fly 500 grams out in a non-populated area of your choice. With a pilot's licence, proper insurance, uav training and etc, the Class 0 pilot could be trusted to be an suas team by himself. Class 0 would answer to the FAA.
Ok, ok, you're thinking he doesn't understand how things work, they'll never go with that, I'm just amazed that no one else ever brings up the obvious safety that on board video telemetry provides.
If you really want to keep playing sUAS drop that term FPV otherwise you will go down with them.
I believe the AMA are fully aware of whats coming in March, it set in stone and your all not going to like it.
Manufacturers which are flight testing aircraft intended to be operated for the sole
purpose of sport, recreation, and/or competition and they are tested at an approved
field as defined by and in accordance with an FAA accepted program with the
approval of the community-based association responsible for the location ..
Keep in mind I have not read the entire document
That is why I want a GROUP 0, 500 gram (1 pound) and below without all of the extra team safety requirements and more freedom than Group I. A bird weighs one pound, come on now.
There will be other air traffic possibly at 500'+.
Total weight of 500 grams and less, max Velocity tbd.
No restrictions for usage includes:
No license, no insurance,
not required to be in line of sight (LOS),
No altitude limits,
Ok to use FPV.
OK to have RTL and waypoint capable.
Keep the 400ft restriction only when close to airports.
Important Attributes for this definition are,
Velocity and Mass constrained for safety (same weight and speed as a parrot)
Waypoint capability an absolute must along with Return to Launch allowable
Non-Line of Sight in this class allowable as well.
Operation of this micro-lite UAV is non-commercial but will not
require a team. Owner operator, pilot is the whole team of one human.
First Person Viewing allowable, single pilot is the only pilot in command required.
Operation not limited to AMA fields....very important.
This is a now or never request...This added class is requested by ME, average joe.
I've conceeded on the size and thus ultimately the performance and capability
envelope...the only right thing to do is push it through.
This will provide a class of machine that will foster and encourage hobby development
and participation. By definition, it defines the freedom necessary to pursue these
activities at the hobby level. In no way should this request change everything that is
going on...do what you will with 2.2kg to 55lbs. I want freedom at some level...this
should be it.