Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operational and Traffic Management Considerations

Abstract

A substantial growth in the number of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operating within U.S. national airspace is projected through the next two decades. Regulations for small UAS weighing under 55 pounds have been enacted per Part 107. Small UAS are restricted from operating outside Part 107 rules primarily due to see and avoid (SAA) criteria that exist in the Federal Aviation Regulations, in addition to key UAS traffic management milestones. Several research questions are addressed relevant to higher density, beyond visual line of sight, small UAS scenarios including operational takeoff and landing procedures, separation, and avionics architecture. Flight test architecture was developed to evaluate fixed wing small UAS autonomous approach and landing. Modifications were developed for the command and control software enabling point and click traffic pattern generation and real time performance logging. The accuracy of multi-rotor auto landing capability with different sensor configurations was also examined. Recommendations are formed from flight test observations and provided for future small UAS operations in the national airspace including a case study examining operation of small UAS from an existing general aviation airport.