Section 333 of the FAA 2012 Airspace Modernization and reform Act of 2012

Old Man

Active Member
In reading through the FAA's actions of 2012, it appears that Section 333 of that act provides the means for incorporation of systems such as MR's and remotely piloted Helis that weigh less than 55lbs. An excerpt of Section 333 is provided below for review and discussion. The pertinent areas that would allow consideration of our systems are highlighted in red. In essence, if addressed correctly and petitioned heavily, we should be allowed to function both as a hobby and small private commercial operators. The results will be determined by our document preparation and presentation professionalism.


SEC. 333. SPECIAL RULES FOR CERTAIN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS. (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other requirement of this subtitle, and not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall determine if certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system before completion of the plan and rulemaking required [[Page H248]] by section 332 of this Act or the guidance required by section 334 of this Act. (b) Assessment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.--In making the determination under subsection (a), the Secretary shall determine, at a minimum-- (1) which types of unmanned aircraft systems, if any, as a result of their size, weight, speed, operational capability, proximity to airports and populated areas, and operation within visual line of sight do not create a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public or pose a threat to national security; and (2) whether a certificate of waiver, certificate of authorization, or airworthiness certification under section 44704 of title 49, United States Code, is required for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems identified under paragraph (1). (c) Requirements for Safe Operation.--If the Secretary determines under this section that certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system.

In addition, there was a House bill that specifically addressed assessing sUAS that would not impact safety of manned aircraft in the federal airspace system.


SPECIAL RULES FOR CERTAIN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS H323/S-- House bill Section 323 directs that within 180 days the Secretary of Transportation, prior to completing of the Commercial UAS integration plan, will determine if certain UAS may operate in the NAS. Assessment of the UASs will determine which types of UAS do not create hazard to users of NAS or national security, and whether a certificate of waiver or authorization of airworthiness is required. If the Secretary determines UAS may operate safely in the NAS, the Secretary shall establish requirements of the safe operation of such systems. Senate bill No similar provision. Conference Substitute House bill.

Where we run into problems with H323 is the propensity of some flight controllers to abruptly rise uncontrollably in altitude and fly away. Should those issues be corrected in a manner where during loss of comm link or FC/GPS failure the aircraft would immediately descend to the ground in a controlled manner we would meet the safety requirements that likely cause the most concern.
 
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