UAS Opportunities in Business Aviation to Be Examined at NBAA2015

The ever-increasing potential for small, unmanned aircraft systems (s-UAS) in business aviation will be demonstrated by an expanded roster of s-UAS-focused exhibits, seminars and activities throughout NBAA's 2015 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA2015), set for Nov. 17 to 19 in Las Vegas, NV.

Located on the exhibit hall floor of NBAA2015, the Innovation Zone will feature several examples of s-UAS already utilized in various roles in business aviation. This display complements the addition of several new, UAS-focused companies that will be exhibiting at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

"Many companies have discovered how UAS, just like a business airplane, is simply another tool that supports the core business," said Bob Lamond, NBAA's director of air traffic services and infrastructure, who for years has been involved in the effort to safely integrate s-UAS into the National Airspace System (NAS).

The Association has a long-standing position that any introductory plan for s-UAS be thoughtful and focused first on safety. Introduction of s-UAS into the NAS should include the assurance that unmanned aircraft meet equivalent certification, airworthiness and traffic avoidance standards as manned aircraft.

"NBAA continues to educate our Members about the best practices for use of these tools in established operations and flight departments," added Lamond. "That includes how companies may leverage the institutional knowledge available in their existing flight department to assist with developing their s-UAS operation, and to inform their interactions with the FAA."

Each day of NBAA2015 will also feature education sessions focused on UAS, beginning on Tuesday, Nov. 17 with a discussion about existing and potential uses of s-UAS in business aviation. On Wednesday, Nov. 18, another session will examine the rapid maturation of "detect and avoid" technology that will eventually enable the safe deployment of larger unmanned systems into the NAS.

Unmanned aircraft will also be in focus during Careers in Business Aviation Day on Thursday, Nov. 19. Brent Terwilliger, who chairs the master's program in unmanned systems at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide, and also serves as UAS subcommittee chair for NBAA's Corporate Aviation Management Committee, will present "From Hobby to Career: The Growing Opportunities of Unmanned Aviation" for students seeking information about the numerous career paths available in the rapidly expanding UAS industry.

"I hope to increase the students' awareness of the many different educational paths available that will help them prepare to select the appropriate opportunities for them," said Terwilliger. "From joining clubs and engaging in flying competitions, to using other tools that further different educational pursuits, there are many ways in which students may align their personal goals with their career aspirations."