Unmanned Aircraft Hazards and their Implications for Regulation

Abstract

Use of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) has been characterized as the next great step forward in the evolution of civil aviation. Indeed, UASs are in limited civil use in the United States today, and many believe that the time is rapidly approaching when they will move into the commercial marketplace, too. To make this a reality, a number of challenges must be overcome to develop the necessary regulatory framework for assuring safe operation of this special class of aircraft. This paper discusses some of what must be done to establish that framework. In particular, we examine hazards specific to the design, operation, and flight crew of UASs, and discuss implications of these hazards for existing policy and guidance. Understanding unique characteristics of UASs that pose new hazards is essential to developing a cogent argument, and the corresponding regulatory framework, for safely integrating these aircraft into civil airspace.

An Analysis of Human Causal Factors in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Accidents

“…We define each crew member's role here, and provide examples of their duties (Hayhurst et al, 2006). Figure 2 shows UV operator and Payload operator performing their task during operation.…”

“…Aircrafts' manufacturing range changes in size from small, which are capable of being handlaunched to large like transport aircraft, in weight from a few kilograms to more than 12,000 kg. They have different altitude and endurance capabilities as well as fixed and rotary wing types (Hayhurst, Maddalon, Miner, DeWalt, & McCormick, 2006).…”

Safe operation of mini UAVs: a review of regulation and best practices

“…[9] Besides, due to the military origin of the UAVs, global standardization has been postponed many times, turning out lately to be a difficult issue: each country has its own regulation, being in many cases being inherited from the military policies.…”

Las Redes de Petri Interpretadas en el Diagnóstico de Fallos de Sistemas Híbridos. Aplicación a un Helicóptero no Tripulado

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