Researchers have recently made significant progress in accurately counting and objectively analyzing close encounters between drones and airplanes. This development is a major step forward in aviation safety, as it reduces reliance on subjective pilot sightings. The study, published in the SAE International Journal of Aerospace, examined over 1.8 million piloted aircraft operations and nearly 460,000 flights by small-uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) around the busy Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.
Over a three-year period from August 2018 to July 2021, researchers from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Unmanned Robotic Systems Analysis (URSA) identified 24 near-midair collisions (NMACs) in which drones came within 500 feet of piloted aircraft. These incidents were of great concern, particularly because most air carrier close calls occurred within 1.5 miles of a runway approach or departure zone. To address this issue, researchers recommended extending the runway exclusion zone for drones at high-risk runways from 1 mile to 3.5 miles. This modification would provide enhanced protection for piloted aircraft operating at less than 500 feet above ground level during approach or departure.
Traditionally, information about close encounters between drones and airplanes has relied solely on subjective reports from pilots who must simultaneously identify and evade drones in the air. However, this approach has limitations, as it does not include instances where pilots fail to spot the drones. Alarming statistics from the FAA reveal that the number of pilot reports regarding drone sightings has more than doubled in recent years, with 2,596 reports in 2021 compared to 1,210 reports in 2015.
To address this issue, researchers at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University have developed an objective method for gathering detailed information about NMACs between drones and airplanes. They utilized an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) detection device connected to an antenna atop the Terminal C concourse at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. The device collected telemetry data, including altitude, launch location, and other details, for each sUAS within a 30-mile radius. This information was combined with data from ADS-B and Mode S messages transmitted by airplanes and tracked by the OpenSky Network. To analyze and visualize the resulting data, researchers employed URSA’s Airspace Awareness Platform (AAP-NMAC), a proprietary data analytics software.
The researchers hope that their findings will play a crucial role in improving aviation safety by reducing the risk of collisions between drones and piloted aircraft in the National Airspace System. During the study period, the researchers detected 24 close-call events, with an average lateral distance of only about 215 feet between the drone and the airplane. Commercial air carriers were involved in 11 of these NMACs, while helicopters and general aviation aircraft were involved in seven and six incidents, respectively.
Enhancing Safety through Objective Data
All helicopter encounters occurred within 1.25 miles of a heliport, while 10 of the 11 air carrier encounters took place within 1.5 miles of approach or departure and below 500 feet above the ground. These findings highlight the critical importance of operations near airports, as pilots experience high workload levels during these flight phases. To prevent potential conflicts, operators, government agencies, and airlines can benefit from the objective data provided by this study, allowing them to gain a better understanding of sUAS operations and take appropriate measures.
As of 2020, an estimated 1.46 million sUAS were operating in the National Airspace System, and this number is expected to rise to nearly 2.4 million units by 2025. The increasing proliferation of drones, particularly those available to the general public, poses significant risks. Many drone operators are unaware of the rules they must follow or lack knowledge regarding safety measures. Notably, the study identified three sUAS responsible for over half of the 24 NMACs. Furthermore, in 96% of the cases, the drones were operating above the maximum permissible altitude for the area.
To address these risks, the FAA will implement a new requirement in the near future, mandating that all drone operators have a remote identification or RID signal. This requirement aims to enhance safety and security. Compliance with this regulation will lead to the collection of more objective information about near-miss encounters between drones and airplanes.
The development of an objective method for analyzing close encounters between drones and airplanes marks a significant advancement in aviation safety. By relying on detailed telemetry data and advanced analytics software, researchers have been able to provide objective insights into near-midair collisions. These findings will undoubtedly contribute to improving aviation safety and reducing the risk of future incidents.
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