Guest: David Hook Topics: UAVs and proposed FAA UAV regulations. Please direct all comments and questions regarding Space Show programs/guest(s) to the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. We do not permit the commercial use of Space Show programs or any part thereof, nor do we permit editing, YouTube clips, or clips placed on other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted, but the quote must be cited or referenced using the proper citation format. Contact The Space Show for further information. In addition, please remember that your Amazon purchases can help support The Space Show/OGLF. See www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/amazon.htm. For those listening to archives using live365.com and rating the programs, please email me as to why you assign a specific rating to the show. This will help me bring better programming to the audience. We welcomed Dave Hook back to the show to discuss the newly proposed FAA Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) rules. Please note that Dave summarized the 195 page FAA report in a document you will find posted to the blog for this show titled "Small UAV Regulations Proposal.pdf." This document is available for your download. In the first segment of our 101 minute program, Dave provided us with a short overview of the UAV environment as far as regulations were concerned, pointing out why sensible regulations were needed and wanted by the industry. Dave explained the FAA proposed rule process, the commentary period, and then the process for evaluating the comments and eventually publishing final rules. Dave went over some of the more significant proposed regulations in the 195 page document including the proposal for the operator to have an airman certificate based on a written test with a possible $150 fee. Another requirement would require the UAV operator to check the NOTAMS and to be accountable. Operators were defined as were visual observers. The class of UAV was described in the proposed rules. There may also be a potential issue about the UAV and its cargo, especially controlled substances legal in a state but illegal by the feds given the airspace is controlled under federal law. Dave had some interesting comments about this. Kris called from Wyoming and talked about Ultralight aircraft outside of controlled airspace not being regulated. Dave and Kris talked about the airspace classifications, what is regulated, what is not. They also spoke about the approximate 20,000 registered airports in the country of which roughly 15,000 are on private property and what this means regarding law enforcement. In the second segment, Dave mentioned the proposed $150 fee and the proposed rule to register the UAVs with an N number. Dr. Jurist called in to talk about potential opposition to the rules from the academic community and how the proposed rules might inhibit academic and other UAV R&D. Dave and John cited examples of how the rules might adversely impact the academic & R&D community. Near the end of our discussion, Ft. Worth John called to talk about UAVs and their possible use as a terrorist weapon. Since the purchase of the UAV was not being regulated, both John and Dave pointed out that someone with the intent to misuse a UAV would not likely care about the regulations, proposed or final. In summary, Dave said the proposed rules were a good first effort and encouraged concerned people to give the FAA comments during the 60 day comment period which starts when the rules are published in the Federal Register. If you have comments/questions please post them on TSS blog above. You can reach David Hook through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com.
Guest
The Space Show
