Minutes UAV meeting

Date: Friday 28 February 1997

Place: University of New South Wales - Mechanical Engineering Building Room 405

Attendees

This meeting was organised to follow up on the UAV Symposium in Canberra on 30 - 31 October 1996 as agreed at that symposium.  Meeting was chaired by Dr. K.C. Wong and minutes were taken by Dr. Cees Bil and Dr. Peter Gibbens.

Agenda

1. Progress updates since the Canberra symposium.

The role of CASA is to ensure: 

•     Safety of fare paying passengers
•     Safety of the traveling public
•     Safety of the public in general
•     Consideration of the environment

Legislation affecting UAVs:

•     CAO 95.21 - Model Aircraft
•     CAR 137 - Pilotless Aircraft

• Aircraft - A flying machine with a pilot and a CofA.
• Model - A small representation but currently defined as an aircraft that is nor designed for nor capable of accommodating a person and the flight of which is uncontrolled or remotely controlled. IF IT DOESN'T HAVE A PILOT, IT MUST BE A MODEL. This is a fundamental problem for UAVs in the current regulations.

• As written, CAO 95.21 applies to any pilotless aircraft - cumbersome exemptions are necessary for non aero-modellers.
• Payloads of some pilotless aircraft exceed the weight of a person - if it is not a model, what is it?
• CAR 137 realistically applies only to:

 - modified conventional aircraft
 - purpose built, military style RPVs

• Specific legislation is required to cover pilotless aircraft used for:

- scientific research
- research and development
- commercial activities

• Airspace: Controlled airspace
• Air routes
• Busy areas
• Populous areas: Habitation
• Gatherings
• Ambient conditions: Daylight
• VMC

Approvals 

• Exemption plus operating conditions
• Do not apply to "state aircraft" in restricted airspace

The key: 

•     Early consulation/application
•     Comprehensive information
•     Anticipation
•     Flexibility
•     Predictability/reliability

CASA's Regulatory Framework Program 

• A review program to update our regulations and bring them into line with other major aviation countries.
• Comprises 6 Technical Committees with associated Project Teams.
• TC6 - Sport Aviation Project Team will develop a new CASR Part 101 - Unmanned balloons, kites, unmanned rockets and unmanned aircraft.
• Implementation by early 1998.

UAV Project Team 

• Leader: Mal Walker
• Membership: Industry/CASA
• Agenda: Meet once or twice per month teleconferencing/e-mail
• Terms of Reference: Review existing rules, assess foreign rules, review requirements, develop legislation
• Timetable: ?

(b)  Jeff Elliot (TACA) 

TACA is a UAV that can stay on station for a long time (3 months) at 60.000 - 80.000 ft. Its primary role is that of a communications platform. There is considerable interest from the UK, China and Europe.

(c)  Bill Filmer (RAAF) 

The RAAF is looking at UAVs as a possible solution to the JP129 surveillance requirement. For BAAS, the Global Hawk, TACA and Predator are considered. For FAAS, armed helicopters, small aircraft and small UAVs will be considered. In March, a visit will made to the US and Israel. As there are no time constraints on the procurement, the Australian can be involved.

(d)  Peter Aldridge (ASTA) 

ASTA builds the Jindavik target drone. Various modifications are being made. ASTA will be involved in the operations support for the JP-7 vehicle (MQ-107).

2. Discussions regarding the potential formation of a formalised National UAV association/organisation.

Another suggestion is to setup a listserver, where those who are interested can subscribe or unsubscribe. KC Wong will investigate the possibility to setup a listserver at the University of Sydney.

Appendix A gives a summary proposal of the group and its objectives. Comment and contributions are invited.

3. Time and location for next UAV Symposium - Where do we meet next time.

The meeting after that will be held in Melbourne, to coincide with ICAS'98 in September 1998. Cees Bil will organise this event.

4. UAV Technology Needs - ATF.

5. Communication

6. Close of meeting

APPENDIX A - Proposed association, terms of reference, objectives, roles

Proposals for name:  SUAV - Society of Unmanned Airborne Vehicle

                                NUAVSIG - National Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Special Interest Group

                                  : Others ?????????????

MISSION:  - To promote the use and development of UAV's and their applications within Australia, and to establish and maintain indigenous technological capabilities for the development and operation of UAV's and their payloads.

Specific areas of activity (Terms of Reference):

• To prodvide a vehicle organisation to act on behalf of parties with interests in UAV technologies, applications and operations;
• To foster the development and expansion of UAV applications and functions and associated technologies;
• To promote the advancement of UAV design, navigation, guidance and control technologies;
• To liaise with regulatory authorities (CASA) in regard to the development of regulations and legislation to ensure suitable standards for operation of UAV's; and
• To liaise with radio spectrum management groups with regard to usable frequencies.

Technology areas (expandable):

• Airframe design and construction;
• Navigation, guidance and control;
• Payload technologies - remote sensing technologies

                                 - communication technologies
                                 - ????

Communication modes:

• E-mail          (for those wanting to be involved in regular dialogue)
• Web site        (under construction - for those wanting browse only info)
• newsletter      (may be made redundant by Web site)
• UAV Symposia    (annual event)

Affiliations:

• Association for Unmammed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) (US based group);
• Aerospace Technology Forum (ATF);
• Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS);
• Institution of Engineers, Australia (IEAust).

Suggestions regarding this proposal are welcome.

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