The FAA has announced a first annual roadmap outlining efforts needed to integrate unmanned aircraft systems into the nation’s airspace, as called for in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.
The roadmap addresses policies, regulations, technologies and procedures that will be required for a wider integration of unmanned systems – UAS,into the NextGen aviation system for both military and civil uses.
The integration is intended to establish requirements that UAS operators must meet in order to gain access to the airspace in the next 5 – 10 years, but the agency stresses the requirements will change along side the evolving technology of the airspace.
"Government and industry face significant challenges as unmanned aircraft move into the aviation mainstream,” noted Transportation secretary Anthony Foxx, while FAA administrator Michael Huerta stated that his agency is "dedicated to moving this exciting new technology along as quickly and safely as possible.”
