Remotely Piloted Aircraft Help FAA Test ACAS X

Testing found that the technology’s “behavior and output” change between en route and terminal airspace.

Jack Daleo

Tuesday, April 07, 2026 at 02:45 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

Reliable Robotics’ automated Cessna Caravan and Cessna 182 “intruder” aircraft sit on the tarmac at San Martin Airport (E16) in California. [Credit: Reliable Robotics]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA is partnering with Reliable Robotics to conduct flight tests with remotely piloted aircraft, like a DAA-equipped Cessna Caravan, to develop crucial certification standards for large uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) exceeding 55 pounds.
Reliable Robotics successfully completed a test campaign at Hollister Municipal Airport, demonstrating its Detect and Avoid (DAA) system, based on ACAS Xu technology, by safely managing over 50 simulated collision scenarios with an intruder aircraft.
The data gathered from these real-world tests is vital for the FAA and standardization bodies to establish robust DAA system standards, paving the way for the safe integration of large autonomous aircraft into diverse airport and en route airspaces.

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Remotely piloted aircraft are flying in and around airports to help the FAA develop certification standards for large uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).

The data collection flights in and around the terminal area of Hollister Municipal Airport (KCVH) in California are intended to guide the FAA and standardization bodies in their quest to safely integrate larger UAS models. The FAA has regulations for small UAS, such as delivery drones, but they do not cover models weighing over 55 pounds.