Controlling UAS flight operations in a mixed-mode environment today

Today, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is challenged with the task of integrating the use of Civil Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS). There are many challenges to understand and overcome before Civil UAS operations are standardized and made routine. These challenges include developing methods to support the integration of operations into the NAS without placing public safety at risk and capacity constraints causing delays. This requires defining acceptable standards for operation and certification of Civil UAS and the establishment of standards and requirements for the operator and pilot. In addition, the creation of an airspace designation for cooperative manned and unmanned flight operations to ensure safe operations simultaneously in the NAS. To achieve these goals, extensive research is required to produce the required safety case evidence. Starting back in 2006, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, including the MQ-1B Predator, RQ-11 Raven and A-160 Hummingbird, began operating in Class D airspace at the Southern California Logistics Airport, Victorville, CA (VCV). VCV tower, operated by Serco Air Traffic Controllers, uses a combination of FAA procedures and special authorizations to provide safe operations. For the past 6 years and on-going, the Serco Air Traffic Controllers at VCV tower provide Visual Flight Rules (VFR) for the safe integration of cooperative manned and unmanned flight operations within the Class D airspace. Looking to the future of integrating Civil UAS into the NAS, VCV provides a live operational environment, having experienced air traffic controllers, pilots and UAS operators to supporting UAS operations. VCV not only provides a live environment, but lessons learned which can support the development of standards for operation, requirements and certification of Civil UAS and the safety case development.