Integrating Unmanned Aircraft Operations into the National Airspace System

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are expected to dominate the National Airspace System (NAS) in the near future. One particular barrier preventing the integration of unmanned aircraft into the NAS is the lack of standardized procedures for distinguishing and communicating with remote UAS operators. In preparation for adopting unmanned flight operations into a complex control system, it is important to identify solutions to effectively control UAS in the NAS. To achieve simultaneous safe manned and unmanned aircraft operations in the NAS, the Joint UAS and ATC Team (JUAT) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) are developing a system that could be used to control UAS. The JUAT group has designed several simulated ATC scenarios in order to determine effective solutions for UAS integration. A modified version of the Military Grid Reference System was developed and digitally overlaid onto the radar display. To incorporate this grid system, a customized flight plan database was created for the storage of operator submitted flight plans. Instead of verbal communication, a computer chat system was used for communication because of the low altitude operations in the field. The day when UAS fill the sky is rapidly approaching. The FAA has projected that the UAS market will reach 7 million systems by 2020. The FAA has made UAS integration a top priority and the JUAT will create a path for a positive solution