Once we emerge from the current COVID-19 crisis — and we will — the United States will once again look to the skies to restart the American economy.
Recognizing how important the aerospace industry is to our country, Congress recently passed the CARES Act which among other things provides much needed relief for our nation’s airports, airlines and aerospace manufacturers. As they debate any future stimulus bills and eventually return to their regular slate of business, they must be sure not to overlook funding for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) which underpins much of this important industry.
The fact of the matter is America’s airspace is changing and the FAA which regulates this exciting, dynamic, and game-changing industry, must change with it. Since the Wright Brothers’ first historic flight more than 100 years ago, aviation has been constantly evolving and adapting to new demands and opportunities. Most people are familiar with this in terms of the flashier sides of aviation — airliners, military jets, and the space program — but so many other forms also make up the pantheon of general aviation. This sector has experienced incredible changes and advances, some of which have a direct and even revolutionary impact on the daily lives of most people.
One of the most prominent and complex changes facing our airspace involves the phenomenal growth in the technology and use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly referred to as “drones.” In the past few years, UAV use has seen exponential growth in both recreational and commercial use. More and more UAVs are used for commercial photography, real estate, insurance assessments, search-and-rescue, mapping and surveying, and so many other technical industries. Amazon, which has seen exceptionally high demand for their services in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis is looking for ways to “surge” their delivery capabilities showing how we are just on the cusp of UAVs making home and business deliveries.
All of this remarkable advancement brings a new set of challenges. Safety and privacy concerns dictate that safeguards must be put in place to guard against irresponsible and malicious operators. Educating an uninformed public, who may be unaware of the legal nuances concerning UAV operations will be important. And solving the issue of sharing airspace with manned aircraft will be crucial to ensuring that conflict does not arise with UAVs.
That’s why as part of the FAA’s modernization, efforts are being made to develop a workable Remote Identification (RID) system for UAVs. As should be expected with an issue so complex, technical, and new, there exists little in the way of prior experience to help serve as a guide. It will take a while to get it right and ensure that all the pieces fit properly together; but striking the balance between a well-regulated airspace and the freedom to grow and innovate is a definitional challenge for a modern FAA, and an effort that must continue.
There are other emerging challenges beyond increased UAV use as well.
There is a crisis in the aviation workforce for example — most notably in the troubling pilot shortage, but also manifested in other aspects of aviation from maintenance to air traffic control. State and local leaders meanwhile, may have been a bit too eager in overstepping their authority in responding to this pandemic, and may require a needed check and sober guidance.
Securing our airspace from cyber-attacks and other emerging threats is also a growing concern. Implementing the FAA’s long-awaited Next Generation Air Transport System, or “NextGen,” as well as new technologies such as remote air traffic control towers are a necessary but intricate process that must be done soon and must be done right.
Getting all of these issues right is critical; not only to ensure safe and efficient air travel but to also boost the economy of our nation as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and once again take to the skies. In order to properly address all of these concerns, as well as other emerging issues we may not even foresee yet, our nation needs a modernized and streamlined FAA. The President’s budget request for the 2021 fiscal year includes prudent and necessary increases in funding for FAA modernization and it is imperative that Congress, as it returns to regular order in the wake of this crisis, fulfills this request.
Few things at the federal level are as critically important as properly regulating our airspace for all users. Innovation has helped make aviation one of the safest industries in the nation and U.S. airspace the safest in the world. Maintaining freedom of the skies has defined the American way of life for over a century and will be important to restarting the engine of the American economy.
Chris Swathwood is the Chairman of the Colorado Aviation Business Association. He is both a manned aircraft pilot and a commercial UAV operator.