UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), formerly referred to as ―Unmanned Aerial Vehicles‖
(UAV) or ―drones,‖ are having an increasing operational presence in the NAS (National
Airspace System). UASs are flown by a remotely located pilot and crew (see Figure 3-
24). The physical and performance characteristics of unmanned aircraft (UA) vary
greatly and encompass virtually any altitude and speed.
Figure 3-24 -- UAV.
The military typically conducts UAS operations within restricted or other special use
airspace to ensure segregation of UAS operations from other aircraft. However, UAS
operations are now being approved in the NAS outside of special use airspace through
the use of FAA issued certificate of waiver or authorizations (COAs) or the issuance of a
special airworthiness certificate.
Flights within the NAS usually require coordination with an ATC facility and typically
require the issuance of a NOTAM describing the operation to be conducted. Flights may
be approved at either controlled or uncontrolled airports.
UAS operations may be approved for flight within Class A, C, D, E, and G Airspace.
3-31
