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Safety in the Skies at FAA UAS Symposium 2019

The 4th annual FAA UAS Symposium 2019 landed at the Baltimore Convention Center from June 3 to 5. Hosted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), the event drew more than 1,000 attendees from the FAA, industry, education and government agencies.

This year’s theme of “Getting Down to Business” focused on how industry and regulators are working to safely integrate the growing use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the national airspace. Woolpert is part of seeking the solution, working together with the FAA, airports and industry partners during the symposium to set priorities for advancing safe UAS operations.

Other symposium highlights included:

  • U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao provided a keynote welcome video message, stressing the importance of UAS and how the nation is working to ensure the most innovative and safe airspace system in the world.
  • The FAA announced the first drone safety week (to be promoted later this year) and is searching for industry partners to assist in its safety outreach.
  • The FAA set a goal to release rulemaking on remote ID, one of its highest priorities, yet this year. This technology will lay the groundwork for beyond line-of-sight flying and safe flights over the public.
  • Woolpert worked with FAA officials in the on-site resource center to mitigate risks and work toward achieving approval to fly over non-participants.
  • Panels discussed the current state of counter-UAS systems, specifically identifying the need to protect large hub airports from drone threats.
  • The UAS Safety Team was introduced and its leaders presented on their priorities and the new Unmanned Aircraft Safety Reporting System.
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Zach Shuman

Zach Shuman is a survey phase manager and remote UAS pilot with an evolving knowledge of ground and flight operations. He ensures compliance with FAA regulations and develops operational and safety procedures.