System Considerations
Onboard Cameras/Sensors Use of onboard cameras/sensors to detect airborne
operations for the purpose of de-confliction is still quite limited. These systems may not
be considered sole mitigation in see-and-avoid.
Lost link procedures In all cases, the UAS must be provided with a means of
automatic recovery in the event of a lost link. The intent is to ensure airborne operations
are predictable when a link is lost.
Flight Termination System (FTS) It is highly desirable that UASs have system
redundancies and independent functionality to ensure overall safety and predictability of
the system. If no redundancy exists, an independent flight termination system that can
be activated manually may be required.
Unless operating in an active restricted or warning area, UAS operations must adhere to
the following requirements:
―See-and-avoid‖ capability by use of a chase aircraft or ground-based visual
observers in compliance with 14 CFR 91.113.
UAS pilot must have immediate radio communication with ATC anytime the UAS
is 1) operating in Class A, D, or sometimes E airspace 2) being operated under
IFR, or 3) it is stipulated under the provisions of any issued COA or special air
worthiness certificate.
Routine UAS operations shall not be conducted over urban or populated areas.
They may be approved in emergency or relief situations if proposed mitigation
strategies are found to be acceptable.
UAS operations outside of active restricted, prohibited, or warning areas and
below flight level (FL) 180 shall be conducted in visual meteorological conditions
(VMC) and in accordance with 14 CFR 91.155. Special VFR (SVFR) weather
minimums do not apply to UAS operations.
Only those UASs that have the capability of pilot intervention, or pilot-on-the-
loop, shall be allowed in the NAS outside of restricted, prohibited, or warning
areas.
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