scope:

Scope of Document

This document is laying the initial groundwork to identify gaps in the navigation systems and standards that if filled may better support UAS operations. While all possible future UAS operations is a very broad topic, to limit scope and provide near term focus, this document intentionally is focused on identifying navigation gaps associated with near term IFR and VFR-Like planned path UAS operations for higher risk category fixed wing aircraft operating in and out of traditional airports.

Note 1: See Section 1.6.1 for the definition of VFR-Like. UAS operations under VFR require waivers, and/or alternative means of compliance to certain 14 CFR Part 91 regulations and/or have limitations on their operational freedom.

Note 2: Currently all UAS operations conducted under IFR require waivers, and/or alternative means of compliance to certain 14 CFR Part 91 regulations and/or have limitations on their operational freedom. The document was developed assuming that appropriate waivers, and/or limitations, and/or alternative means of compliance are in place that enable the UAS operations discussed in this document. All UAS operations conducted under IFR in this document are referred to solely as IFR. Future updates to 14 CFR may enable IFR UAS operations without waivers, alternative means of compliance, or limitations.

SC-228 is doing this work to identify navigation gaps, so that once the gaps are identified, appropriate efforts can be done to prioritize and close the gaps. SC-228 does not intend to develop UAS navigation equipment MOPS standards. Instead, SC-228 intends to: a) apply existing navigation standards to UAS, b) identify navigation gaps when applying the existing navigation standards to UAS aircraft, and c) make recommendations to the RTCA Program Management Committee (PMC) and/or other navigation standards committees to develop modified or new navigation equipment standards that appropriately address the identified navigation gaps such that the modified or new navigation standards can be applied.

Purpose of Document

This Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) navigation guidance document is intended to educate the community and be used to facilitate future discussions on navigation standards appropriate to support UAS operations. This document is not intended to be the basis for airworthiness certification and operational approval of UAS, a responsibility for civil UAS that lies with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs). The UAS manufacturers and operators will be responsible for meeting the airworthiness certification and operational approvals appropriate to the intended use of the UAS.