NASA Supports FAA To Pass Drone Flight Rules Beyond Visual Reach

NASA supports long-distance public safety drones (photo: dock. NASA)

JAKARTA Most drones must operate in areas with visual line of sight or can be seen with the eye. NASA wants to change this type of flight so that drones can be operated beyond visual limits. In order for this type of flight to be allowed, drones need appropriate facilities and prioritize security. Therefore, NASA has gathered many parties to discuss drone flights beyond the line of sight with secure operations. The space agency collects representatives from the US Federal Aviation Agency (FAA), the Police Department and Fire Department, as well as commercial industries developing drones to provide input to each other. NASA researchers have also provided input to the FAA, commercial drone operators, and various service providers. All input provided during the meeting will be used for FAA evaluation of drone flights beyond reach. Currently, the FAA is conducting evaluations in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. The data collected during the evaluation will serve as the basis for making the latest rules. During the manufacturing and ratification process, NASA will assist the FAA.

NASA and the FAA are trying to certify long-range drone flights to support drone aircraft that focus on public safety. These drones will be used for search and rescue, reconstruction of crash sites, fires, and other emergencies. Researchers from NASA are also trying to find out how drones can operate safely beyond visual distances. NASA wants to ensure that public safety drones can fly in the air with drones on commercial missions.