If you believe the news, you’d be convinced that small, homebuilt unmanned aircraft are haphazardly overtaking the National Airspace System (NAS) without any boundaries or rules. That's far from the truth. Sure, there are innovative commercial designs making the news. But in reality, it takes more than a backyard gizmo and remote control to make the transformation from the design lab into the NAS.
Yet, as numerous unmanned aircraft systems return from combat in the Middle East, military training operations in the United States are expected to increase dramatically. And with this proliferation of UAS, unfettered NAS access—as opposed to expanding special-use airspace—would allow military UAS pilots to train and stay proficient.
But, what are UAS and how will they affect general aviation? Can manned and unmanned aircraft safely share the airspace? Find out more in the Air Safety Institute’s course, Unmanned Aircraft and the National Airspace System. The course was developed in partnership with the Department of Defense.
Ring in the holiday season
Show your pride with aviation-themed cards
Send AOPA Foundation holiday cards that show your support for the foundation. Start filling empty stockings with jigsaw puzzles, ornaments, and note card collections to be used beyond the holidays. Your gift puts smiles on the faces of your family and friends, while you help fund critical work in support of general aviation’s future. Place your order today. You’ll receive free personalized return address labels and decorative envelope seals with each purchase.
ASI Seminar: 'Flying for a Lifetime'
People change as time passes. These changes can be subtle—but do we give them the attention they really deserve? Join ASI in a fun, fast-paced look at that question, and explore different ways you can maintain the same high level of safety over a lifetime of flying. Visit the website for dates and locations near you.
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