…Gone are the days when we could ignore an entrant that was radically different. Nowadays, we either evolve or we get left behind.
We learned that the hard way when UAS technologies and an entirely new industry sprung up practically overnight and we weren’t ready for it.”
Elwell said that while the FAA was “sort of caught up now” on UAS technologies, the agency is trying not to get behind again.
“That’s why we’re out in front with urban air mobility, or UAM, working with the industry and with NASA to make sure we get it right.
Time is short — companies are already testing a variety of vehicles both in the U.S. and abroad, some with passengers.”
“Something New to Keep Me Awake at Night”
After pointing out that the rate of change in aviation has changed dramatically over the last 30 years, Elwell said that while UAM is fascinating technology, it presents new and serious regulatory challenges.
“Everyone is riveted by this. But then I put on my FAA regulator hat and now I’ve got something new to keep me awake at night,” said Elwell. “You see the ideal way of transporting people across cities. I see car-sized vehicles with multiple rotors hanging over dense urban areas.”
“That’s the challenge – taking an industry of incredibly bright minds and fast-moving technology and joining that with a regulatory agency that wants innovation, but only if it can be safely brought into an urban environment.”
Crawl, Walk, Run
Elwell said that the FAA is evolving into “a more responsive regulator.” Too speed the pace of regulations, he says that the agency has become data driven – and has transitions from prescriptive rulemaking to performance-based rules, which will “form the backbone for how UAM vehicles will be built.”
After pointing out progress towards small drone integration, Elwell said that the FAA will use a similar process for working towards UAM, and described the agency’s next steps: “NASA will again be our partner in this area with their UAM Grand Challenge planned for next year.
The Grand Challenge is about bringing the best and brightest minds from government and industry together to begin live testing of carefully designed scenarios to show how a variety of vehicles and airspace management systems will – or won’t – work together.”
“…That’s crawling. We’re not ready to walk or run yet,” said Elwell.
“Walking and running will require that these highly automated or autonomous vehicles and systems meet the FAA’s – and the public’s – safety expectations for aviation when they buy a ticket…and as we’ve discussed, those expectations are very high.”
“…To be part of the safest mode of transportation on the planet, your operation must become synonymous with safety,” said Elwell.
“That’s the only way to fully exploit the energy, creativity and innovation of this exciting new industry.”
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
TWITTER:@spaldingbarker
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[…] Speaking at an event in June, acting FAA head Dan Elwell underscored the importance of avoiding the “wild west” situation that had resulted with the emergence of drones. “With drones, a whole new market appeared overnight, and we were left behind,” he said. “That is why we’re working with everyone to get it right this time.” […]