FAA Reauthorization

1001 Words5 Pages
Abstract This paper will examine the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2012, with a focus on the legislative process for the integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS). I will discuss what agency was identified to spearhead the integration process, as well as other partner agencies representing the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) that where active participants during this process such as the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Commerce (DOC), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The involvement of the FAA’s UAS Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) will also be discussed, as it is…show more content…
Ray H. LaHood, Secretary of the DOT at that time, per legislative direction, charged the FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, with creating a pilot program for UAS integration. The FAA’s primary mission is safety, and one safe way to test UAS operations was to create test ranges for UAS operations in the national airspace system. The decision was made on 30 December 2013 to build six test ranges. They are in Alaska, North Dakota, Nevada, New York, Texas and Virginia. The FAA also created the Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (COE UAS) to focus on research, education, and training in areas that are critical to the safe and successful integration of UAS into the nation's airspace. In addition to test sites, the DOD and DHS formed what is known as the UAS Executive Committee (ExCom). ExCom is also comprised of elements from NASA and the FAA and is a working group that is helping to streamline routine UAS…show more content…
With the Modernization and Reform Act, the DOC utilized The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA is a department within the DOC and is responsible for increasing UAS observation capabilities, developing high science-return UAS missions, and transition cost-effective, operationally feasible UAS solutions into routine operations. The ARC is an important entity in the integration process as it provides a forum to discuss, prioritize, resolve issues, and provides direction for operational criteria of UAS. Their goal is to gather data, evidence, and create recommendations to support key decision makers during the establishment of policies and procedures for safe and successful UAS integration in the
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