Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Technologies: Challenges and Opportunities for States and Local Governments

The term unmanned aircraft system (UAS) refers to a remotely piloted aircraft, without an on-board pilot, that is operated via remote data-link transmissions and, in some cases, autonomously. Due to progressive technological advancements, UAS have become increasingly affordable in recent years, thereby bolstering their demand. As a result, the UAS industry is positioned to grow significantly during the next several decades as this technology becomes widely available for use by the private sector as well as state and local governments. In 2012, the United States Congress passed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FRMA) which requires the FAA to develop a plan “for the safe integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system” by September 30, 2015.