Integration of UAS into NAS presents many challenges for the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA). Development of a strategic approach for management of military and civilian UAVs into the airspace will be a key concern and a national priority. The use of simulators to train modern operators with the guidance and cooperation of the FAA will assist in this integration. An important aspect is the FAA requirement for all UAS to operate under a COA. The FAA will provide continual updated guidance on training requirements and address the operational needs of UAS system users, the air traffic controllers, and air traffic management to facilitate a smooth integration. Simulations will provide important research data to guide future FAA regulations…show more content… This includes developing regulations, policy, procedures, guidance material, and training requirements ("UAS Roadmap," 2014). Until the FAA opens up national airspace for UAVs, flights will be restricted to military bases and the approved surrounding areas. As a result, operator simulator training is a natural transitional benefit. In order to perform training missions within the Continental United States (CONUS), military units using UAVs must have a certificate of authorization (COA) authorized by the FAA. This certificate will give a detailed description of the physical characteristics/capabilities of the aircraft, the airworthiness certificate, safety provisions, and communication/data-link procedures (U.S. Army). Research has shown that regulations governing use of simulators to certify UAV operators are basically the same as certifying manned aviation pilots. Advisory Circular (AC) 121-14 gives guidance for use of simulators and other training devices. One of the key elements written within this AC is having a station and seat accommodations for the instructor/evaluator. This could be a real challenge for military UAV simulators since there is a limited amount of space within the ground control station (GCS) where a large amount of simulation training is accomplished. Addressing this when developing military simulators should be a priority. There is also some real challenges when training UAV pilots…show more content… Recent statistics show that the United States military has the safest aviation system in the world, and has a goal to integrate important UAS technology into America’s war fighting machine while still maintaining safety as a priority. The DoD has a forecasted roadmap where UAVs will comprise the majority of aviation assets for the U.S. Air Force and Army. Battlefield commanders are increasingly interested in the UAS capabilities and their ability to carry-out surveillance, reconnaissance, and sensitive strike missions. This need for UAS capabilities will require innovative ways to test new systems, train operators, and conduct CONUS based missions. To accomplishing these missions our military will require approved NAS to efficiently train, develop, and support UAS