Independent unmanned aircraft survey needs you!

Independent unmanned aircraft survey needs you!

surveyimage

A current survey explores the impact that current and future FAA regulations have on commercial use of low-altitude small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS).  The study is designed to expose both business sentiment about- and the economic impact of- FAA regulations.

The study will show to what extent that there are commercial small UAS in operation in Class G airspace. It gives voice how small UAS commercial service providers perceive current and proposed FAA rules. Many research studies have focused on the technical specifications, applications, and markets for UAS. However, there is a gap in studies regarding business sentiment. This research addresses that gap and presents views of owners, principals, and employees of small UAS commercial product and service providers — as well as prospective start-ups and investors — who serve or want to serve the public and civil markets.

This research will answer the following key questions:

1. How clear are service providers on current FAA regulations regarding the use and operations of small UAS for commercial purposes in U.S. Class G airspace?

2. To what extent do current rules create barriers for small business?

3. What is the economic outlook for providers given either favorable or unfavorable rules in the future?

This survey is designed those businesses who sell or operate and intend to sell or operate, their sUAS in the U.S. for commercial purposes. At the end of the responses will be aggregated, analyzed, and summarized in research reports and publications to be issued within the next several months.  A free report will be made available to respondents.

The survey ends April 20, 2014. Readers can access the survey online until then via this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VHKR5FJ

Patrick Egan

Editor in Field, sUAS News Americas Desk | Patrick Egan is the editor of the Americas Desk at sUAS News and host and Executive Producer of the sUAS News Podcast Series, Drone TV and the Small Unmanned Systems Business Exposition. Experience in the field includes assignments with the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Battle Lab investigating solutions on future warfare research projects. Instructor for LTA (Lighter Than Air) ISR systems deployment teams for an OSD, U.S. Special Operations Command, Special Surveillance Project. Built and operated commercial RPA prior to 2007 FAA policy clarification. On the airspace integration side, he serves as director of special programs for the RCAPA (Remote Control Aerial Photography Association).