Briefing: July 2015

More than 4400 comments were filed in response to the FAAs proposed rule for allowing small unmanned aircraft into the national airspace system, and the general aviation advocacy groups had their say. EAA, AOPA, and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association all said the FAA should lower the ceiling for small UAS operations to 400 feet, instead of the proposed 500 feet, to provide a bigger buffer between UAS and manned aircraft. Other suggestions included requiring UAS to automatically terminate flight if communications are lost, and ensuring that the operators of manned aircraft arent required to add new equipment as a result of UAS integration. The FAA will now review the comments before publishing a final rule, which is expected to take up to 18 months.

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

General aviation groups provided feedback on the FAA's UAS rule proposal, advocating for a 400-foot ceiling for operations and other safety requirements.
The general aviation industry experienced a 15% decline in overall aircraft deliveries in the first quarter, with sales down across all segments, attributed partly to U.S. export rules.
Cessna has put its diesel-powered Turbo Skylane JT-A 182 project on hold, while the C.A.F.E. Electric Aircraft symposium recorded high attendance, showcasing advancements in electric aircraft technology.
Both the Pilatus PC-24 twinjet and Gulfstream G500 business jet successfully completed their first flights in May, with certifications anticipated by late 2017.

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GA Groups Weigh In On UAS Rule Proposal

More than 4400 comments were filed in response to the FAA’s proposed rule for allowing small unmanned aircraft into the national airspace system, and the general aviation advocacy groups had their say. EAA, AOPA, and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association all said the FAA should lower the ceiling for small UAS operations to 400 feet, instead of the proposed 500 feet, to provide a bigger buffer between UAS and manned aircraft. Other suggestions included requiring UAS to automatically terminate flight if communications are lost, and ensuring that the operators of manned aircraft aren’t required to add new equipment as a result of UAS integration. The FAA will now review the comments before publishing a final rule, which is expected to take up to 18 months.