In todays society UAVs are currently used for a number of different reasons. A few of those reasons would pertain to hurricane hunting and 3D mapping, search and rescue, or wild life protection. These are good because the FAA along with companies who support UAVs do not have to worry about pilots losing there lives. Anytime someone can control or help change a bad outcome and not have to put anyone else life at risk, is always a good thing. The regulation behind civilian UAVs is in the works. Since there has been an increase in these aircraft, it has been a big safety concern for the FAA. I personally do not see the UAVs being integrated into the NAS, also known as the National Airspace System. It would be to much to try and control in the sky dealing with unmanned aircraft let alone with the general aviation. It seams there would be a higher risk for accidents and a lot more eyes watching systems and better aerial separation. It just seams a little to far fetched to integrate something that could be so hazardous.
From a military aspect UAVs have become a new phenomenon. I believe one of the most positive things about military UAV is they do not have to worry about losing a pilots life. Also UAVs used during recon are usually lighter which means they are going to be quieter and thus possibly more vulnerable in a greater aspect, (such as deeper investigations, or reconnaissance).
http://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=UAV&l=
http://www.news-herald.com/general-news/20131222/ohio-schools-begin-training-students-for-civilian-drone-jobs
It definitely seems there are some major hurdles for UAVs to overcome before they are integrated into the NAS. The increase in air traffic alone would be monumental. With so many UAVs being small enough to be undetectable by radar, I don't know that preventing UAVs from being used would even be possible though. My guess is they will incorporate them sooner rather than later if only to have the regulations in place to prosecute those that may use them illegally.
ReplyDeleteThe difficulties of integrating UAVs in to the NAS are immense, and I do not think the FAA's timeframe of "begin by 2015" is realistic. There are too many variables to overcome, and the purposed regulations only target commercial use. Just like many of the other FAA initiatives, I believe the integration of UAVs will take many years.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest concern about UAVs in the NAS is general aviation and VFR pilots being able to see and avoid them. I'm expecting the UAVs will have sophisticated anti-collision systems for this purpose.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the UAVs are significantly more difficult to discover in hostile territory - and by that being so, this will protect more soldier lives. Of course with these innovations there will be "counter-measures" that other countries will figure out, but I'm willing to bet that since the UAVs are the current-to-next big thing, that they will be continually upgraded as well.
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