UAVs are currently being used in the United States for a myriad of reasons, most for government agencies for security and surveillance. Recently, Amazon.com announced their Amazon PRIME Air; a drone base delivery system, that can carry up to 5 pounds of physical goods to one's doorstep. Another civilian purpose of UAVs that has become extremely popular is 3D Mapping/Aerial photography, in which Model Airplanes and Helicopters take 3D images of cities, towns, and landscaping for surveying purposes.
The FAA currently states that anyone operating a drone in the United States must obtain an experimental aircraft permit. I found this interesting read about how much the FAA really does have control over UAVs. You can find it here.
I predict that UAVs will be integrated into the National Airspace System (NAS) very soon. I am sure that there will be a lot of problems in the beginning with the integration, such as the interaction with GA aircraft, privacy and security issues, and (potentially) public perception. Will the public accept the use of UAVs or will they cry Big Brother and 1984? Or will they welcome a pizza-delivering drone?
One thing for certain is Military Application of UAVs are on the rise. More of our operations are completed by Unmanned aircraft. Most of the operations done by drones are surveillance, although drone attacks are on the rise. Financially, the use of cones makes sense as they are cheaper than maned aircraft.
I found many jobs for UAV Pilots. Here are two interesting ones brassring.com & brandesassociates.icims.com.
You did an excellent job incorporating everything she asked for in the blog. I haven't really seen anyone do it, especially the perception of UAVs portion. I would have liked if you went into more detail about the issues we will face when integrating UAVs into the NAS.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the integration of drones into the NAS will be streamlined in the very near future. There is a place for these unmanned aerial vehicles and they need to be allowed to operate freely and safely.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely welcome the pizza delivery drone!!
Great example of the beer drones. I heard Valentine's Day was suppose to be big with drones delivering flowers but the FAA didn't give the ok to do so.
ReplyDelete