Remotely piloted vehicles in civil airspace: requirements and analysis methods for the traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS) and see-and-avoid systems

Abstract

The integration of Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RF'Vs) into civil airspace will require new methods of ensuring aircraft separation. This paper discusses issues affecting requirements for RF' V traffic avoidance systems and for performing the safety evaluations that will be necessary to certify such systems. The paper outlines current ways in which traffic avoidance is assured depending on the type of airspace and type of traffic that is encountered. Altemative methods for RPVs to perform traffic avoidance are discussed, including the potential use of new see-and-avoid sensors or the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). Finally, the paper outlines an established safety evaluation process that can be adapted to assure regulatory authorities that RPVs meet level of safety requirements.

Role of information and communication in redefining unmanned aerial vehicle autonomous control levels

“…The integration of RPVs into civil airspace will require new methods of ensuring aircraft separation. The issues affecting requirements for RPV traffic avoidance systems and for performing safety evaluations that will be necessary to certify such systems are discussed by Drumm et al [19].…”

A Safety Analysis Process for the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and See-and-Avoid Systems on Remotely Piloted Vehicles

“…Safe flight in domestic and international airspace is ensured through a range of air traffic control services, some of which require aircraft to be equipped with specialized avionics such as an altitude-reporting transponder in certain types of airspace. 3 One consistent FAA requirement over all classes of airspace, however, is "when weather conditions permit, regardless of whether an operation is conducted under instrument flight rules or visual flight rules, vigilance shall be maintained by each person operating an aircraft so as to see and avoid other aircraft". 4 Even though mid-air collisions can occur when see-and-avoid separation is in effect, flight safety is generally perceived to be supported by a pilot present in the cockpit.…”

“…Almost all aircraft have transponders but their use is not mandated in all airspace. 3,14 TCAS is a mature transponder-interrogating technology but it is not yet certified for use on RPVs. TCAS information could be used onboard the RPV or downlinked to the RPV operator.…”