AOPA urges changes to UAS-only airspace proposal
By Jim Moore AOPA submitted several suggestions that would mitigate the impact of a proposed restricted airspace reserved for unmanned aircraft in North Dakota, but remains opposed to the creation of such an exclusive airspace. Implementation of the proposed restricted areas would create a disturbing precedent, carving out a slice of the finite National Airspace System for the operation of aircraft unable to “see and avoid” other traffic. The U.S. Air Force has for years sought to create a restricted airspace in northern North Dakota reserved for training flights by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and AOPA Vice President of Air Traffic Services and Modernization Heidi Williams noted in formal comments—submitted Feb. 7 in response to thenotice of proposed rulemaking—that this final proposal reflects an effort by the Air Force to mitigate negative impacts. That effort is appreciated, and AOPA understands the need to train Air Force pilots in realistic conditions. However, many problems impacting safety and airspace use remain to be addressed. Most troubling, the restricted airspace would be the first ever reserved exclusively for UAS activity, the start of a “slippery slope” that could lead to similar proposals elsewhere. AOPA has repeatedly noted that while UAS are unable to comply [...]
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