On Wednesday morning, I sat in on the first of two FAA Webinars on Test Site Selection. Click here to download the “formal” presentation that the FAA reps (Les Smith, Aviation Safety Standards & one Dennis Roberts I think, but I missed his title) spoke from. I will not summarize what’s in the presentation except to draw your attention to slide 5 which addresses “funding.” Essentially it will be up to the “proposing” elements or the Test Sites to provide funding while the “Test Site” will be responsible for almost everything else: safety, flight clearances (which will be up to the proponents to get I think), allowing technologies to operate, etc. On page 10 of the presentation is a web site where all the Q & A will be available from the two Webinars.
Some sample questions that followed the formal presentation:
- When will Test Ranges be in operation? (NLT 180 days after they are ID’d)
- All comments are due back to the FAA by May8.
- When will sites be ID’d? (By December’s end)
- Steve Robb from Wyle, Lexington PK asked a couple of questions: Are you interested in defining a “helo” type area, who determines airworthiness? (Yes and the site will be responsible for the air worthiness of systems and integration as a proponent’s test may require) (Note, ultimately it will be the FAA that will issue any airworthiness certificate for non R & D operations) Also asked if the FAA envisioned any associated fees. (FAA no)
- LTC Harding from TRADOC asked about the selection date and whether the “volume” of the airspace can be “expandable.” (FAA stated that it would depend on the test requirements & they have not considered any dynamic airspace requirements)
- One person wanted to know if the UAS sites would interfere with normal manned operations. (The Site Managers would be responsible for appropriate coordination but it would be the proponents responsibility) COA’s will be provided for the chosen proponents but the Test Sites will be the ones responsible for all aspects of safety.
- It will be up to the proponents to choose between the 6 sites.
- What kind of hardware/software requirements? (up to the proponent to advise those that would facilitate UAS integration)
- Who brings the UAS/technology out of the “experimental” to the certified? (FAA)
- Someone asked them to define “high speed” with reference to UAS’. (FAA answer: you tell us)
- How close to Class B airspace (airspace around major cities: NYC, Chicago etc) can a site be? (FAA: We have to consider this)
- Any arctic ranges? Question from Alaska Dept of Trans: (FAA: Arctic ranges will be considered a separate topic)
- How will sites be determined? (FAA: using internal FAA rules, analogous to any other procurement process)
- What influence will OSD/NASA have on the site selection process? (FAA will chose)
- Can non-governmental sites compete for selection? (yes)
- Can there be “corridors” to connect “Restricted Airspaces?” (FAA must evaluate as part of the “Proposal & proponent requirements”)
- How does one apply to be a Test Site? (FAA: that will be spelled out in the Proposal (20 July)
- Is there a specific airspace size? (FAA: No)
- What is the structure of the Proposal & how will the FAA determine? (FAA: Seeking different recommendations)
- How will UAS test airspace be classified? (FAA: No specific answer to that now)
- Are there any regions not being considered? (FAA: None have been ruled out)
- Can non US technologies operate on the Test Sites? (FAA: Up to the Test Site requested)
- Will the Test Sites be ID’d at once? Will they be operational all at once or incrementally? (FAA:TBD)
- How many States competing? (FAA: Don’t know, the Proposal is not out yet)
- What is the CONOPS for the Test Sites? (FAA: Proponent to determine)
- Will proponents be able to use FAA radars to support their test? (FAA: Depends on any MOA that maybe signed)
There were more questions but the above provides a flavour for what was asked. I suspect the next session will be close to this one. For more detail wait till the FAA goes public on the aforementioned web site. I’m starting to form my own opinion now about this process. Hope this is of some help in understanding what is going on with this.
[Mark is a Retired Naval Aviator with Command Experience. He served 21 years in the force, including time as a Central Command Plans and Policy Officer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm in the CINC’s War Room. During his career, he has collected The Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service, Navy Meritorious Service, Navy Commendation Medal as well as several other medals and ribbons.
He is currently President of Chesapeake Synergy Inc. and is the operational Liaison for The Joint Atlantic & Chesapeake Ranges Cooperative (JACRC), an alliance of Department of Defense & NASA test and training ranges in Maryland, Virginia and Rhode Island. -Ed.]