Updated Guidance issued to US Air Traffic Controllers for UAS in the NAS

Moving ever closer to the integration of UAS into the civilian airspace system in America. Air Traffic Controllers received this updated document last week.

Information and interim guidance on air traffic policies and prescribes procedures for the planning coordination, and services involving the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the NAS.

During the past few years, UA technology has been developing rapidly, driving a profound increase in requested operations in the NAS.  Traditionally, UA operations have been conducted by the DOD or other Government agencies within restricted and warning areas.  In recent years, the combined increase in requests by Government agencies has tripled, and forecasts suggest the increase will continue for the next 4 years.  This notice incorporates information from other publications and serves as a compilation of air traffic topics relating to unmanned aircraft.  In many cases, the information contained in this notice is complemented by guidance and directives from the Unmanned Aircraft Program Office under Aviation Safety and other regulations.

Read the entire document here

This section caught our eye

(3) Hobbyist.

(a) Hobbyists should follow the guidance contained in Advisory Circular (AC) 91-57.

(b) For model aircraft, the authority is AC 91-57.

NOTE- The FAA recognizes that people and companies other than modelers might be flying UAS with the mistaken understanding they are legally operating under the authority of AC 91–57.  AC 91–57 only applies to modelers and specifically excludes its use by persons or companies for business purposes.

Many sUAS startups have begun operation in the USA citing AC 91-57