Assessing Small UAS Operator Flight Behavior and Potential Interference with Aviation Operations in Controlled Airspace

Abstract

Verbatim from Embry-Riddle Scholarly Commons. Not paraphrased, not summarized.

The rapid rise of small UAS (sUAS) operations in the National Airspace System is generating an increasing concern about possible interference with manned aircraft. Reported sightings of UAS by manned aircraft pilots rose from an average of 147 sightings per month in 2016 to 188 sightings per month in the first three quarters of 2017. The purpose of this study was to evaluate sUAS operator behaviors and identify sUAS interference with aviation operations in the sample area. The authors partnered with a UAS technology company to deploy an AeroScope, a passive radio frequency detection device, in proximity to Tampa International Airport to detect UAS flight activity. While the device only collected data from DJI platforms, the company is estimated to hold a more than 70% market share on consumer UAS in the United States. The AeroScope identified 77 unique sUAS platforms among 258 separate flight detection records over the 19-day sampling period. The research yielded several behavior characteristics of the sUAS operators including predominant sUAS models, operating altitudes, preferred flying days and times, flight durations, and launch locations. Additionally, the authors identified 93 potential violations of 14 CFR 107 regulations, which included breaches of controlled airspace, maximum altitude limits, daytime flying rules, and other provisions. The authors assessed the sUAS activity posed a potential conflict with a visual approach path to a nearby airport and created a collision hazard to three local heliports. The authors highlighted limitations of existing sUAS geofencing to protecting aviation operations in high-density airspace.

Authors

• Wallace, Ryan J., Ed.D. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Haritos, Tom, Ph.D. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Robbins, John M., Ph.D. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS)
• near mid-air collision (NMAC)
• interference
• AeroScope
• Aviation Safety and Security