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On December 5, a Los Angeles-based news helicopter reported it might have been struck by a drone while flying.\u00a0 While it\u2019s not yet confirmed it was a drone that hit the helicopter, based on what the aircrew and passengers saw and the subsequent helicopter damage, it seems likely it was not a bird, but a plastic whirly thing with blades. Thankfully this story doesn\u2019t end in tragedy but highlights a growing need to somehow manage all users of our airspace to avoid future mid-air collisions.<\/p>\n
Our existing air traffic control infrastructure wasn\u2019t designed to accommodate small drones flying at low altitudes. This is compounded by the forecasted, exponential growth of the number of drone users that continue to find novel and innovative uses. \u00a0More drones statistically result in an increased likelihood of more safety-related issues. Keeping our skies safe is a top priority, regardless if it\u2019s in LA or anywhere in the world.\u00a0 What do we do?<\/p>\n
ENTER\u00a0UTM<\/p>\n
UAS Traffic Management (UTM)<\/a> is a term the drone industry uses when referring to low altitude airspace management of drones.\u00a0 Since 2015, NASA has become a world leader in researching this vexing problem of how to develop a system that deconflicts drones and planes without hindering technological growth for things like package delivery by drone.\u00a0 ANRA has been there since the beginning, collaboratively working alongside industry partners and the FAA to help solve this pervasive challenge.<\/p>\n Our families fly in the same airspace as yours, so we are seriously passionate about engineering a solution that reduces the threat of a mid-air collision.\u00a0 Our DroneUSSTM<\/sup><\/a> software platform takes a big step forward to that end.<\/p>\n UTM platforms like DroneUSS will help with aircraft deconfliction, display radar information to the drone pilot, and provide identification and tracking of drones.\u00a0UTM will allow creation of restricted areas that act like electronic fences to prevent drone operations over critical areas such as airports.\u00a0However, technology will not solve all our problems as it will require a layered approach that includes smart regulations, user education, and building trust with the general public.<\/p>\n UTM is a \u201csystems of systems\u201d and is one component of the air traffic ecosystem that includes manned aviation and legacy systems that manage those aircraft.\u00a0 UTM developers must build into their software best practices and adopt standards that will evolve and grow with technology. There is no singular solution and the helicopter incident over LA is a stark reminder we need to move quickly.<\/p>\n