Integration of Civil Unmanned Aircraft Systems into the National Airspace System

Since the early 1990s, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) have operated on a limited basis in the National Airspace System (NAS). Until recently, UAS mainly supported public operations, such as military and border security operations. The list of potential uses is now rapidly expanding to encompass a broad range of other activities, including aerial photography, surveying land and crops, communications and broadcast, monitoring forest fires and environmental conditions, and protecting critical infrastructures. UAS provide new ways for commercial enterprises (civil operations) and public operators to enhance some of our nation's aviation operations through increased operational efficiency and decreased costs, while maintaining the safety of the NAS. This book focuses on the integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems in the national airspace system; provides an unmanned aircraft systems comprehensive plan; and discusses the final privacy requirements for the unmanned aircraft system test site program.