Unmanned Aircraft Issues To Be Discussed at NBAA 2014

Two sessions at next month’s NBAA Convention in Orlando, Fla., will focus on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to provide attendees with information about upcoming regulations governing UAS operations and their potential effects on the business aviation industry. “Unmanned aircraft are a growing part of the business aviation community,” said NBAA senior vice president of conventions and membership Chris Strong. “We’re hearing more about UAS on both the regulatory and functional usage level, and NBAA 2014 offers a valuable opportunity for discussion between those familiar with the progress toward full integration into the National Airspace System [NAS], and those interested in learning more about how UAS may be beneficial to their operations.”

The first session, “Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Regulatory and Legal Developments,” to be held October 21 from 3 to 4 p.m., will focus on the future of UAS in the NAS, as well as technological, regulatory and privacy issues. Panelists will discuss the FAA’s 2015 mandated deadline to enable UASs to fly in the NAS, as well as a possible timeline for full integration.

“Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Opportunities for Business Aviation” will be held the following day from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. During this session, panelists will discuss applications under development for commercial UAS and how flight departments can use these new technologies.

According to Strong, these sessions are forerunners to what he expects will be an expanding presence for UASs at future NBAA conventions.