The FAA and the Air Force have reached a preliminary agreement on procedures that would allow unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to be deployed in civilian airspace during emergencies, InsideDefense.com reported last week. “If a national disaster is declared, we will be able to use unmanned aerial systems such as Predator and Global Hawk over a disaster area,” said Maj. Gen. Scott Mayes. The UAVs would likely be used to provide real-time images and data to first responders and relief efforts. The FAA has softened its stand that UAVs must have “see and avoid” capability before being allowed to share the civilian airspace, according to Inside Defense. The military said that during a disaster, the airspace would probably be closed to commercial traffic anyway, lessening the chance of a collision. However, during the aftermath of Katrina last year, the skies were buzzing with helicopters and relief flights, so how that separation will be maintained was not clear. UAVs were tested during recent emergency drills conducted by the military, and that performance helped to get the FAA on board, according to Inside Defense. Meanwhile, however, Congress has shown some concern about the deployment of the aircraft on the Mexican border. A disbursement of $6.8 million for the Border Patrol to buy another UAV in fiscal 2007 is on hold until the agency reports findings of an investigation into the crash of a Predator near the border in April, govexec.com reported last Friday.
FAA To Allow Military UAVs In Civilian Airspace
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA and Air Force have a preliminary agreement to deploy military UAVs (like Predator and Global Hawk) in civilian airspace during declared national disasters.
- These UAVs would provide real-time imagery and data for first responders and relief efforts, with the FAA relaxing its "see and avoid" requirement due to the expectation of closed airspace during emergencies.
- While emergency drills helped solidify the agreement, concerns remain about air traffic separation in potentially busy disaster zones, and Congress is holding funds for new Border Patrol UAVs pending an investigation into a recent crash near the Mexican border.
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