The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Office has issued a request for information (RFI) to industry stakeholders. The RFI seeks insights into research that could support the safe integration of emerging aviation technologies, such as drones and advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles, into the National Airspace System (NAS).
The RFI invites feedback on research priorities that may inform future standards and technology development as the FAA prepares to accommodate new airspace entrants.
“Research is central to creating effective policies, regulations, and procedures for new entrants like UAS/AAM vehicles,” FAA officials stated. Ongoing studies will help shape a framework for the assessment and integration of these technologies, enabling the FAA to make strategic, data-driven decisions in rulemaking, policy, certification and operational planning.
Key areas for feedback include beyond visual-line-of-sight operations, which would enable drones and other aircraft to operate outside the direct view of their controllers. The FAA also aims to explore command and control link technologies to ensure reliable communication between operators and unmanned vehicles, a crucial element for safe operations.
Traffic management systems for UAS, alongside broader air traffic control innovations, are also prioritised, with the RFI highlighting the need for advanced solutions to accommodate more unmanned vehicles in shared airspace. The FAA noted that “research into noise and societal impacts is also necessary,” adding that industry standards for interoperability will need to include vehicle-to-vehicle and aircraft-to-everything communication as well as detect-and-avoid capabilities.
Additional research areas include the risk of collisions among air vehicles of varying sizes and speeds, as well as electronic conspicuity technologies that increase the visibility of unmanned aircraft to others within the airspace. Human factors, including the human-system interface and training standards for UAS pilots and crew, are also a priority.
The FAA has emphasised the importance of advanced automation through artificial intelligence and machine learning applications to support the operations of these new technologies. Infrastructure needs, including airports, droneports and vertiports, are flagged as essential to accommodate the evolving landscape of air mobility. Additionally, hazardous material risks related to UAS cargo or power sources are highlighted as an area for analysis.
Crédito da imagem da publicação: Ian Usher via Unsplash
