In recognition of growing interest in the use of small unmanned aircraft systems (s-UAS), and concerns about their safe operation within the National Airspace System (NAS), the National Business Aviation Association recently joined with other aviation advocacy groups and industry partners in support of the “Know Before You Fly” educational initiative to provide prospective users with the information and guidance they need to fly UAS safely and responsibly.

Founded by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and the Small UAV Coalition, “Know Before You Fly” offers important operational and safety information to those seeking to utilize UAS in a variety of roles, many of which aligns with interests of the business aviation community.

"I became aware of ‘Know Before You Fly’ at an industry conference in December, and expressed NBAA's interest then in being a part of this important initiative," said Bob Lamond, NBAA director, air traffic services and infrastructure. "Our participation in this campaign further demonstrates efforts by NBAA to ensure that persons operating UAS commercially or privately are doing so in the safest possible manner."

NBAA also recently launched a dedicated web resource for its Members, organizing the latest news and information related to the Association's efforts toward the safe operation and integration of UAS.

The FAA is past due on publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) affecting the operation of s-UAS weighing under 55 pounds. Originally scheduled for release last year, the agency has not provided a firm date for when the NPRM will be issued.

While UAS hold great promise for a variety of applications in many areas of life and commerce, including opportunities for use by entrepreneurs and companies that rely on aviation as part of doing business, NBAA has long maintained that it is imperative that any introduction plan for UAS be thoughtful, deliberative and focused on safety.

This means UAS should not share the same airspace with manned aircraft until they have equivalent certification and airworthiness standards as manned aircraft, including the ability to take timely directions from air traffic control, and to sense and avoid other aircraft and UAS.

"Although many NBAA Members are eager to utilize UAS to support their businesses, the safe integration of these new tools is of paramount importance for our community," Lamond added. "These new resources will help to educate our Membership about issues affecting UAS operations into the NAS to ensure that safety is maintained as we await formal regulatory guidance.”

Lamond and other NBAA personnel have been involved in UAS working groups (through RTCA) since 2006. The Association has also expanded the presence of UAS-related materials and seminars, with the 2014 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA2014) featuring two well-attended sessions devoted to the subject. Additional sessions regarding UAS operations will be featured at NBAA2015, coming Nov. 17 to 19, 2015 to Las Vegas, NV.