ENABLING BEYOND LINE OF SIGHT WITH THE FAA PATHFINDER PROGRAM: EXTENDED VISUAL LINE OF SIGHT

摘要

The Pathfinder project is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and industry led initiative to facilitate the early introduction of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) low-altitude operations in the National Airspace System (NAS) beyond what is currently outlined in the Small UAS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The purpose of Pathfinder Focus Area 2, currently being conducted by Precision Hawk, is to define flight Standard Operating Procedures for localized beyond visual line-of-sight operations, as well as the exploration of traffic management of low-altitude airspace through emerging technologies, ultimately facilitating the routine, commercial use of small UAS. The second phase of Pathfinder Focus Area 2 experiments, conducted in 2016, was aimed at understanding the safe operating parameters for extended visual line-of-sight (EVLOS). EVLOS is defined as a UAS operation whereby the Pilot in Command (PIC) and/or the observer maintains an uninterrupted visual situational awareness of the airspace in which the UAS operation is being conducted for encroaching aircraft. The UAS may be operated out of sight of the PIC and observer (if used), but must be kept in a defined area of operation with control authority being maintained by the PIC at all times. EVLOS is therefore a subset of BVLOS operations, and an initial step towards more broad-based BVLOS flights. The present work discusses the research outcomes from the PrecisionHawk Pathfinder experiments and provides a set of recommendations based on those outcomes usable by sUAS operators considering EVLOS operations. Further work is also recommended, focusing on the introduction of assistive technologies.