NASA’s UTM Concept Incorporated in FAA Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has incorporated Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) as part of an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM). The FAA issues ANPRM for public commentary prior to implementing proposed rules related to air transportation operations. Specifically, through this ANPRM, the FAA seeks to reduce risks to public safety and national security; the public commentary process may have significant impact to the eventual FAA rules that govern UTM operations. NASA’s UTM concept is referenced in ANPRM Section IV.C. and reflects the increasingly central role that UTM will play in the nation’s small UAS operations. The ANPRM references the UTM implementation plan, and the FAA requests public input about how UTM should be utilized. The public commentary period ends on April 15, 2019.