UAVs

UAVs in the United States and Abroad

The use of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), also known as drones, has greatly increased in the United States and abroad. UAVs are used in a variety of ways by the United States military, a growing number of civilian operations, and by hobbyists across the country. In proportion to the rising popularity of UAVs, the regulation of UAVs in the United States has been a growing concern among legislators and those involved in the industry. While there are many advantages that come with the use of UAVs, there are also many potential problems such as privacy concerns and public safety that must be dealt with.

 Machines that once seemed more fitting in a science fiction novel are becoming more of a reality every day. Currently there are 38 civil operations that employ the use of UAVs. After obtaining an exemption from the FAA, these 38 civil operations are now able to conduct daily tasks with the UAVs. Recently, Low Country Corp. was granted an exemption to use UAVs in order to, “take high definition images of towers and structures for inspection. These inspections previously required dangerous manual efforts that often required a helicopter to lift the inspector to the top of the focus structure” (AUVSI, para. 3). In another example, State Farm is, “using aerial imagery and analytics in underwriting, reunderwiting, catastrophe response, roof inspection and claim resolution settings” (AUVSI para. 4).

I believe it goes without saying that the average American has no problem with drones being used by companies in situations that are dangerous for humans. Likewise if drones can be beneficial to a company in a way that is non-intrusive to the public I believe most Americans would be fine with that. The issue that comes into play is regulation of UAVs, which deals with an array of issues such as protection of privacy and protection of airspace. Recently, the FAA released a new set of regulations regarding UAVs that benefited those in the UAV industry. However, the FAA implemented major limits as well such as, “no flying at night, or outside the operator’s line of sight, or above 500 feet” (Thompson, para. 1). The proposed regulations would not take affect for another two years. Currently, the regulations are going through a 60 day period in which the public may comment on the proposed regulations. Some companies are choosing to operate despite the lack of regulations, which have been slow in coming out, or are waiting for their special exemption from the FAA. Until the proposed regulations come in to affect, the commercial operation of UAVs remains illegal. For those interested in what a civilian UAV job may entail, follow this link, https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGWEbHost/jobdetails.aspx?jobId=356631&PartnerId=25539&SiteId=5313&codes=IIND ,  to see the duties of a sensor operator on a UAV team.

What is not illegal, but that which has come under strict scrutiny of late, is the use of UAVs by the military. UAVs have greatly altered the strategy and tactics that we use to fight terrorism. We are now capable of monitoring a target for days before deciding to initiate a drone strike to take them out with a precision that we have never before seen. The jury is still out on whether or not drone warfare is effective in countering terrorism, but they have proven to be very cost effective.

The cost of one MQ-9 Reaper drone is $6.4 million, according to an analysis by the American Security Project. The cost of one A-10 Thunderbolt, the plane with capabilities similar to the Reaper, is $18.2 million, adjusted for inflation. Maintenance costs for drones are also lower, as they require less mechanical expertise to fix (Francis, para.7).

With the increase in military and civil use, UAVs are slowly integrating into the national airspace. As more and more commercial operations receive exemptions from the FAA, it is plain to see. Don’t be surprised to see in increase in the coming years of UAVs in your immediate area. By that time they could be doing anything from bringing you groceries to taking your dog for a walk. As they say, the sky is the limit.

           

Bibliography

AUVSI. (2015, February 26). New commercial UAS exemptions include utility and tower Inspections. Retrieved March 2, 2015, from http://www.auvsi.org/blogs/auvsi-news/2015/02/26/exemptions37

FAA. (2015, February 9). Civil Operations (Non-Governmental). Retrieved March 2, 2015, from https://www.faa.gov/uas/civil_operations/

Francis. (2013, February 1). Death by drones: Are they worth the cost? Retrieved March 2, 2015, from http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2013/02/07/Death-by-Drones-Are-They-Worth-the-Cost

Picchi, A. (2015, February 16). FAA drone rules: 5 ways they will transform business. Retrieved March 2, 2015, from http://www.cbsnews.com/news/6-ways-drones-will-transform-business/