Aircraft
No Surprises Likely for Small Unmanned Aircraft Rule

The draft FAA rule that will provide a regulatory framework for operating small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) of about 55 pounds or less in unrestricted airspace will likely limit those aircraft to flying 400 feet agl or below, within visual line of sight of an observer on the ground and during day VMC. The “sense-and-avoid” aspect of keeping safe separation from other aircraft will be provided by a ground observer, said Ted Wierzbanowski, chairman of ASTM International Committee F38, which is developing UAS standards under an agreement with the FAA.