Challenges and opportunities to integrate UAS in the National Airspace System

The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) long-term vision for full and safe integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS) includes UAS operations in a non-segregated environment where manned and unmanned aircraft share airspace. NAS air traffic services and resources are provided, as needed, with appropriate technology, infrastructure, procedures and policies in place to ensure safe and efficient operations. Significant progress has been made by the FAA to enable small UAS flying below 400 ft. Although most of the current demand for UAS operations is in this low altitude airspace, an increasing number of UAS is expected to need access to higher altitudes where manned aircraft operate. Providing safe and efficient access to airspace for both manned and unmanned aircraft poses significant challenges that may require time to be addressed. These challenges include ensuring reliable command-and-control (C2), and detect-and-avoid (DAA) capabilities; communications with air-traffic-services; airspace design; and supporting automation, flight information, and mobility management. There is also a need for procedures, training, and policies that ensure safety of operations in the integrated environment. This paper provides an overview of these key challenges, discusses potential approaches and opportunities to overcome them, and identifies key trade-offs expected when considering different alternatives with a focus on commercial UAS operations.