Question of the Week: UAVs - Coming to Airspace Near You?

Question of the Week: UAVs – Coming to Airspace Near You?

Editorial Staff

Thursday, May 06, 2010 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A recent poll revealed that nearly half of AVweb readers (46%) keep cell phones onboard for emergencies but avoid using them for non-flight-related conversations in the cockpit.
The current "Question of the Week" asks readers to consider how pilotless military helicopters, like the new Bell Helicopter model, and other Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) should be integrated into the National Airspace System.

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This Week’s Question |Previous Week’s Answers

PREVIOUS RESULTS ***

Last week, we asked AVweb readers about their personal practices and policies regarding cell phones and other electronic distractions in the cockpit.

The largest portion of respondents (46% of you) reported that you keep a cell phone on board in case of emergencies but never use it for conversations not directly related to the flight. The second most popular option in our poll (trailing by a distance, at only 19% of responses) was Shut off and stowed without exception in all phases of the trip. Only 6% of those polled said It’s all a big fuss about nothing; pilots are multi-taskers who can prioritize their activities.

Want to see a full breakdown of responses? Take a moment to answer the question yourself, and then you can view real-time results.

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION ***

Bell Helicopter announced the development of a new pilotless helicopter based on the 407 model, and virtually any aircraft, it seems, can be made into a UAV. Where do they fit in the National Airspace System?

How do we handle UAVs in the National Airspace System?
(click to answer)

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