|
The major advantage of having type certificated
UAS models available is that they can be used
commercially. The Scan Eagle and PUMA received
Restricted Category type certificates that
permit aerial surveillance. Researchers and
other entities now will be able to perform
aerial observation at significantly lower
operational costs compared to manned aircraft.
Until now, obtaining an experimental
airworthiness certificate which specifically
excludes commercial operations was the only way
the private sector could operate UAS in the
nation’s airspace. Previous military acceptance
of the Scan Eagle and PUMA UAS designs allowed
the FAA to issue the Restricted Category type
certificates.
A major energy company plans to fly the
ScanEagle off the Alaska coast in international
waters starting in August. Plans for the initial
ship-launched flights include surveys of ocean
ice floes and migrating whales in Arctic oil
exploration areas. The PUMA is expected to
support emergency response crews for oil spill
monitoring and wildlife surveillance over the
Beaufort Sea.
Issuing the type certificates is an important
step toward the FAA’s goal of integrating UAS
into the nation’s airspace. These flights will
also meet requirements in the FAA Modernization
and Reform Act of 2012 that define Arctic
operational areas and include a mandate to
increase Arctic UAS commercial operations.
|
