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Toward a Safety Risk-Based Classification of Unmanned Aircraft There is a trend of growing interest and demand for greater access of unmanned aircraft (UA) to the National Airspace System (NAS) as the ongoing development of UA technology has created the potential for significant economic benefits. However, the lack of a comprehensive and efficient UA regulatory framework has constrained the number and kinds of UA operations that can be performed. This report presents initial results of a study aimed at defining a safety-risk-based UA classification as a plausible basis for a regulatory framework for UA operating in the NAS. Much of the study up to this point has been at a conceptual high level. The report includes a survey of contextual topics, analysis of safety risk considerations, and initial recommendations for a risk-based approach to safe UA operations in the NAS. The next phase of the study will develop and leverage deeper clarity and insight into practical engineering and regulatory considerations for ensuring that UA operations have an acceptable level of safety.
Document ID
20170002384
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Torres-Pomales, Wilfredo
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
March 21, 2017
Publication Date
December 1, 2016
Subject Category
Air Transportation And Safety
Report/Patent Number
NF1676L-25301
L-20747
NASA/TM-2016-219367
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 999182.02.50.07.02
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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