The Perception of Pilots and Support Personnel in Aviation/Aerospace Industry Regarding Future Implementation of UAS

The primary objective of this research paper is to gather information on how individuals engaged in flight operations and maintenance activities perceive the expanding role of automation as it relates to the integration of Uncrewed Aerial Systems Traffic Management (UTM) into the National Airspace System (NAS). Rulemaking efforts to address operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), including operations over people, performance requirements for aircraft, and operator qualifications, among others, have been ongoing. Decisions regarding a system architecture that reflects requirements of a fully automated service model that interfaces with current Air Traffic Services systems are yet to be finalized. Gaining the perspective of individuals currently working in the field of aviation is an important step in gauging any resistance to change and support for the rapid evolution occurring in the global Air Traffic Management (ATM) system.