In a first for unmanned aircraft systems, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently seeking public comment on its criteria for drone airworthiness.
A notice was posted in the Federal Register, asking for comments on or before Dec. 18, 2017. The FAA seeks input on proposed design standards specific to the FlightScan Corporation Camcopter S-100, the first drone system to have its certification basis published. Those standards are meant to guarantee it can safely fly in U.S. airspace
FlightScan applied for FAA certification of the S-100 back in June 2015, under the special class provisions section of the electronic code of federal regulations. Its drone uses a vertical take-off style, giving it the look and feel of a helicopter. It also comes with payload capabilities of up to 440 pounds, though its main purpose is to aid power infrastructure surveys through use of unmanned aerial photography.
The agency has spent the last two years working with FlightScan to create the airworthiness criteria for this new drone. After the comment period ends, the FAA will determine if any further changes are necessary for proposed airworthiness criteria and proceed from there.