sUAS Manager’s Course

This life-saving technology provides readily apparent opportunities that are exploitable; however, operating in the volatile and changing realm of the National Air Space (NAS) as it pertains to drones can be challenging. Executives and decision-makers need to evaluate the implementation of UAS programs from a 360° perspective that analyzes priorities and constraints and considers all current and potential future stakeholders.

The course begins with an overview of current laws and regulations pertaining to unmanned systems. Students will examine how laws nest beneath the Federal Aviation Administration’s regulations while gaining an understanding of preemption, as it pertains to those federal regulations.

Students will examine how the FAA categorizes drone operations by their intended use, paying particular attention to the requirements necessary to operate under the statutory definition of “public aircraft,” described in Title 49 of the United States Code (49 U.S.C.) §§ 40102(a)(41) and 40125 (the statute). Furthermore, students will differentiate between UAS capabilities and limitations as they apply to the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) classification.

Armed with an understanding of the anticipated UAV category and class, students will evaluate the suitability of their local area for UAS operations. Airspace, terrain, weather patterns, and operational time periods are a few of the considerations that will be examined; as well as, training requirements for UAS operators. Many local communities, also part of the operational environment, are sensitive to the perceived threat UAS pose as a means to violate Privacy and Civil Rights. Students will discuss the issues involved and develop strategies for implementation prior to the employment of UAVs to minimize fear and misunderstanding of this tool.