Replies to post #144682 on World Surveillance Group Inc (fka WSGI)

[sami1327]

I hope you’re right Ren .. that would be amazing if it happened sooner than later

From what I’ve read though .. only small / light weight UAV’s will be allowed .. to start

“The 2012 reauthorization bill also directed the FAA to “allow a government public safety agency to operate unmanned aircraft weighing 4.4 pounds or less” under certain restrictions. The bill specified these UAS must be flown within the line of sight of the operator, less than 400 feet above the ground, during daylight conditions, inside Class G (uncontrolled) airspace and more than five miles from any airport or other location with aviation activities.

Prior to the congressional action, the FAA and the Justice Department had been working on an agreement to streamline the COA process for law enforcement – an agreement that also meets the mandate. Initially, law enforcement organizations will receive a COA for training and performance evaluation. When the organization has shown proficiency in flying its UAS, it will receive an operational COA. The agreement expands the allowable UAS weight up to 25 pounds.”
http://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=14153

You’re a Lawyer? Could we suggest that when the lifting gas is in place we meet their weight qualifications?

Well, with the BiB platform in place .. if a tethered system is the best we can do till the Argus is approved for regulated or unregulated airspace .. we have the bases covered

; )

[sami1327]

Ren, the wording “aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift” .. imo comes from a military definition. I don’t see where the FAA exercises it?

Military Definition? of an unmanned aerial vehicle:

“A powered, aerial vehicle that does not carry a human operator, uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift, can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely, can be expendable or recoverable, and can carry a lethal or nonlethal payload. Ballistic or semiballistic vehicles, cruise missiles, and artillery projectiles are not considered unmanned aerial vehicles. Also called UAV.

Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. US Department of Defense 2005”
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/unmanned+aerial+vehicle


The FAA moves past the UAV term to UAS

Here’s what they focus on:

“The term unmanned aircraft system (UAS) emphasizes the importance of other elements beyond an aircraft itself. A typical UAS consists of the:
• unmanned aircraft (UA)
• control system, such as Ground Control Station (GCS)
• control link, a specialized datalink
• other related support equipment.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unmanned_Aircraft_System#UAS

Or:

What is an unmanned aircraft system (UAS)?

A UAS is the unmanned aircraft (UA) and all of the associated support equipment, control station, data links, telemetry, communications and navigation equipment, etc., necessary to operate the unmanned aircraft.
http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/uas/uas_faq/index.cfm?print=go

That’s how I see it anyway .. I really do like your view better