During my tenure, the engineering team at the TCCA RPAS Task Force embarked on their R&D program with limited resources but with a firm dedication to the importance of their research. This commitment, which was not deterred by resource constraints, was pivotal for safely integrating Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System. In this journey, we were fortunate to have outstanding partners, notably Sabrina Saunders-Hodges from the FAA. Sabrina welcomed TCCA and agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which began a data exchange. This collaboration allowed TCCA to work with the FAA ASSURE team, mainly Steve Lux. This collaboration allowed TCCA to formulate new regulations based on a deeper understanding of the impact of drone operations on humans.
In parallel, TCCA established another MoU with the National Research Council (NRC). Charles Vidal was central to this collaboration. TCCA's partnership with FAA ASSURE further strengthened these efforts. The engineering team at the RPAS Task Force has not just maintained a program; they have excelled in shaping Canada’s regulatory framework and international standards, particularly in autonomy. TCCA R&D is well-funded and collaborates closely with the FAA, NRC, academia, and industry partners.
During my participation at the FAA Symposium, I had the opportunity to reengage with this team in a forum highlighting the importance of the research work, FAA ASSURE’s role, the TCCA RPAS Task Force, and the FAA test site activities. Here are some key points from that discussion:
The Importance of R&D for Regulations
Research in this context takes many forms, from literature reviews and concept development to modeling, simulation, and actual flight tests. It's a dynamic process that directly impacts and advances integration. Research is essential because it relies on empirical evaluations and provides objective, unbiased data. This data-driven approach supports innovation and policy-making by informing decisions with accurate insights. The collaboration between the FAA, academia, industry, and international and federal partners helps ensure that research efforts are efficient and avoid duplication, driving progress in UAS integration and technological advancements.
Over the past decade, perceptions and regulations surrounding drones have evolved significantly. Initially, drones were considered highly dangerous, with early regulations based on outdated and overly conservative data from the 1940s. Concerns about drones falling and causing serious harm were prevalent. However, research revealed that drones lack the hazardous characteristics of heavy metal fragments from past test data. With new findings, including a low probability of severe injury and extensive studies involving simulations and real-world tests, the FAA revised its approach to drone safety.
Additionally, research has played a crucial role in disaster response. For example, funding from Senator Leahy supported efforts to improve disaster preparedness by integrating drones into emergency management. Innovations and improved processes allowed for quicker deployment of drones, which proved critical in flooding and wildfires, saving lives and property.
Ongoing research and forecasting continue to inform regulations and planning. Forecasts help guide strategic and tactical decisions, including infrastructure development and regulatory adjustments. This approach ensures that drone integration and advanced mobility are effectively managed and regulated, leveraging current research to address emerging needs and challenges.
Thus, R&D is fundamental for technological advancement and shaping the regulations that govern UAS operations. As new technologies emerge, regulatory frameworks must evolve to ensure safety and effectiveness by providing the data and insights needed to inform these regulatory decisions, thereby ensuring the safety and effectiveness of UAS operations.
The Role of FAA ASSURE in UAS Research
The FAA’s ASSURE is central to advancing UAS technology and certification. As a leading research initiative, ASSURE supports and coordinates the activities of multiple universities, working collaboratively with UAS test sites and developers. Key functions include:
ASSURE ensures comprehensive and actionable research across multiple universities, aligning objectives with regulatory needs and enhancing UAS safety.
ASSURE’s research contributes to developing safety standards and guidelines. By providing empirical data, ASSURE helps regulators and organizations like ASTM create standards for emerging technologies and operational scenarios.
ASSURE’s involvement provides students valuable hands-on experience in real-world industry applications, helping shape the future workforce.
R&D at FAA ASSURE’s partner universities and international collaborators produces data for refining UAS’s regulations standards. Testing systems like UTM and detect-and-avoid technologies provide empirical evidence to define safety requirements and operational limits.
As UAS technology evolves, new challenges may arise that existing regulations don’t cover. Continuous R&D helps identify these issues early, allowing regulators to update rules proactively. For instance, research into urban integration and advanced air mobility underscores the need for updated airspace management and safety guidelines.
Harmonizing UAS regulations globally is vital for international operations. For example, the FAA ASSURE and TCCA collaborate on international research initiatives, sharing findings to support the development of unified standards.
Transport Canada's Research Initiatives
Craig Bloch-Hansen presented Transport Canada's research initiatives. Their efforts address the unique challenges posed by these innovations and aim to enhance safety and efficiency in transportation.
One significant area of focus is integrating small aircraft into urban environments. Transport Canada embarked on a comprehensive research program to understand the complexities of urban airflows. This program began with virtual reviews and simulations to grasp the current state of knowledge. Researchers then conducted wind tunnel testing to observe how air moves around structures, followed by real-world operational tests to validate their findings. This research is vital for developing guidelines that help drone operators and manufacturers navigate the unique conditions found in urban settings.
Another key aspect of Transport Canada's research involves the certification and taxonomy of autonomous systems. Given Canada's vast geography and sparse infrastructure, automation is essential for efficient operations. The research aims to define and categorize different automation levels and establish certification standards that ensure safety and effectiveness. This work involves comparing various approaches to automation across different transportation sectors and developing methodologies for evaluating the safety impacts of autonomous systems.
The outcomes of this research have led to the development of practical tools and frameworks. For example, insights from the urban airflow studies have informed recommendations for drone operators and manufacturers. Additionally, the research into automation has contributed to the Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS), helping shape international standards for evaluating the safety of autonomous systems.
Capabilities and Contributions of the New York UAS Test Site: Advancing Technology and Research in Unmanned Aerial Systems
The New York UAS test site has a broad and sophisticated infrastructure that supports a wide range of testing and research activities for unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Here’s a summary of their capabilities and activities:
Several UAS test sites across the U.S. have unique strengths. The New York UAS test site emphasizes its role in supporting technology certification and validation. Test sites offer expertise in the certification process and have connections with the FAA to facilitate technology approval. They also provide flexibility in location, as some test sites can conduct testing and training on-site.
New York Test Site Features:
The site is equipped with advanced radar and sensor systems, supported by local and state funding. This infrastructure enables data collection and analysis during tests. They have established a corridor extending from Rome to Syracuse for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations and are working to extend this further north.
The test site includes an indoor facility, a Skydome, and a repurposed B-52 hangar equipped with RF shielding to prevent signal interference. This facility supports GPS-denied testing and is designed for urban-like environments to simulate complex operational conditions.
The test site features a real-time data wall for displaying test data and pilot workstations for operational training in a controlled environment. This setup helps train operators for BVLOS operations and integrates various air domain awareness systems.
Research and Development:
The site has developed and tested UAS Traffic Management (UTM) systems and BVLOS operations. They work closely with military and commercial partners to evaluate and refine these systems in complex environments.
The test site works on detecting and avoiding technologies, collaborating with various companies to test these systems in real-world scenarios, including ground and aerial tests.
The site supports research in advanced air mobility, including integrating UAS into existing airspace and urban environments. This involves testing new technologies and operational concepts to enhance safety and efficiency.
Overall, the New York UAS test site provides an environment for UAS testing and development, with significant resources dedicated to advancing UAS technology and supporting innovation in the field.
Conclusion
The FAA Symposium underscored the importance of continuous research and development for evolving regulations to address new technological challenges and ensure global harmonization of UAS standards. FAA ASSURE's role in advancing UAS technology, certification, and safety through its extensive research and collaboration was highlighted, demonstrating its critical impact on regulatory development and industry practices.
Transport Canada's research initiatives, including urban airflow studies and automation taxonomy, further shaped effective guidelines and standards. Their collaborative efforts with international partners, such as the FAA, have fostered the development of data-driven policies and practical tools for UAS integration.
The New York UAS test site emerged as a key player in UAS research, offering advanced facilities and capabilities for testing and validating technologies. Its contributions in areas such as UAS Traffic Management, BVLOS operations, and advanced air mobility support the ongoing advancement and safety of UAS technologies.
These organizations' combined efforts and collaborative approach have significantly advanced UAS integration, paving the way for safer, more efficient, and harmonized operations within the National Airspace System and beyond.
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