What is a UAS?

UAS Overview

Introduction

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are revolutionizing industries such as aerial photography, agriculture, construction, and logistics. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional drone operator, understanding what a UAS is and how it works is essential to safely and legally operating within European Union (EU) airspace. This lesson provides a foundational understanding of UAS, its components, the different types of drones, and the importance of regulations established by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

By the end of this lesson, you’ll not only know what constitutes a UAS but also understand why adherence to regulations is critical for safe and efficient operations.

What is a UAS?

A UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) refers to the complete system required for operating an unmanned aircraft. It is more than just the drone itself; it includes all the supporting elements necessary for its operation.

Components of a UAS

Every UAS consists of three primary components:

1. Aircraft: The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone itself, which can vary in size, shape, and functionality.
2. Remote Control or Ground Control Station: The equipment used by the operator to control the drone. This can range from handheld controllers to sophisticated computer systems.
3. Communication Links: The connection between the aircraft and the remote control, typically using radio signals or Wi-Fi. These links allow for commands to be sent and data (such as video footage) to be received.

Without these components working in harmony, a UAS cannot function effectively.

Drone vs. UAV vs. UAS

You may have heard terms like "drone," "UAV," and "UAS" used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings:

• Drone: A general term for any unmanned aircraft, often used in casual conversation.
• UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle): Refers specifically to the aircraft itself, without considering the supporting systems.
• UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System): The complete system, including the UAV, remote control, communication links, and other operational components.

When discussing compliance with EASA regulations, the term UAS is used because it encompasses the entire system required for safe and legal operation.

Types of Drones

Drones come in various forms, each suited to different applications. The three main types are:

1. Multirotor Drones:

   • Most commonly used type of drone.
   • Features multiple rotors (usually four, six, or eight) for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL).
   • Ideal for applications like aerial photography, videography, and inspections.
   • Example: DJI Mavic series.

2. Fixed-Wing Drones:

   • Resemble small airplanes and rely on wings for lift.
   • Typically more efficient than multirotor drones, allowing for longer flight times and covering larger areas.
   • Commonly used in agriculture and mapping.
   • Example: senseFly eBee.

3. Hybrid Drones:

   • Combine features of both multirotor and fixed-wing designs.
   • Can take off vertically like a multirotor and transition to efficient forward flight like a fixed-wing.
   • Example: WingtraOne.

Choosing the right type of drone depends on your operational needs and the regulations governing your use case.

Why Regulations Exist

EASA regulations are designed to ensure the safety of both manned and unmanned aircraft in European airspace. Here’s why they are crucial:

• Safety: Drones share airspace with airplanes and helicopters, making it vital to prevent collisions and accidents. (Reg 2019/947 Art. 3)
• Privacy: Drones equipped with cameras can inadvertently infringe on individuals' privacy, necessitating rules to protect personal data.
• Security: Improper or malicious drone operations can pose security threats, such as unauthorized surveillance or interference with critical infrastructure.
• Environmental Impact: Regulations limit noise pollution and disturbances caused by drones.
• Harmonization: EASA creates standardized rules across EU Member States, ensuring consistency for operators who work internationally.

By following these regulations, operators contribute to a safe and sustainable drone ecosystem.

Practical Example:

Imagine you’re flying a multirotor drone for real estate photography. You need to ensure your UAS operates within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS), maintains a maximum altitude of 120 meters, and avoids flying over uninvolved people or restricted areas. These operational guidelines are outlined in Regulation 2019/947 to minimize risks and ensure compliance with EU aviation safety standards.

Key Takeaways

1. A UAS is a complete system comprising the aircraft, remote control, and communication links.
2. Drone, UAV, and UAS have distinct meanings, with UAS being the most comprehensive term.
3. Drones can be categorized into multirotor, fixed-wing, and hybrid types, each suited to different applications.
4. EASA regulations exist to protect safety, privacy, security, and the environment while standardizing operations across the EU.
5. Compliance with regulations like Reg 2019/947 ensures safe and legal UAS operations.

By understanding the fundamentals of UAS and the importance of regulations, you’re laying the groundwork for becoming a responsible and skilled drone operator. In the next lesson, we’ll dive deeper into the specific operational categories defined by EASA and how they apply to your flights.