UT Arlington has been granted an FAA certificate of authorization, which allows researchers at their research institute (also known as UTARI) to take part in the lone star unmanned aircraft systems initiative.
The initiative has six such programs operating throughout the nation on drone research. They will be helping the Federal Aviation Administration lay out practical rules to safeguard our airspace.
In the past, unmanned drones have been primarily used in military applications and have proven successful in minimizing the loss of human life in warzones. More recent use of drones by police departments for aerial surveillance has brought up questions in regards to privacy issues. Commercial applications of drones could be just around the corner. Jeff Bezoz recently announced that he is exploring the technology for use as an efficient delivery system to Amazon customers of packages weighing less than 5 pounds.
While the pros and cons of unmanned drones remain highly debated, the FAA doesn't plan to take a wait-and-see approach in regards to the safety of our airspace.
We all understand the problems inherent in flying unmanned aircraft in and around airplanes and helicopters. But, with drone technology on the rise, the questions become how close is too close and how can collisions be avoided? Without accurate and informed guidelines, it is an accident waiting to happen.
Atilla Dogan, an associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, said, "Our focus is on the safe operation of unmanned aircraft." To that end, UTARI will research technology that will help drones both detect and avoid obstructions in their path. It is not only important for drones to avoid running into each other but to have the capability of detecting other objects so that people, animals and other structures remain safe from their flight.
So, what guidelines should exist for the FAA to best ensure the safety of all? The UTA research team will be exploring that question by flying unmanned aircraft around the research institute, located near Handley-Ederville Road and Randol Mill Road. The FAA has given them clearance to fly up to an altitude of 400 feet in their research.
Working in concert with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce Center for Innovation, UTARI hopes their contributions will bring commercial viability to the burgeoning field of drone technology.-Courtney Dabney
