Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems

The proliferation of technological capability, miniaturization, and demand for aerial intelligence is pushing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into the realm of a multi-billion dollar industry. This book surveys the UAS landscape from history to future applications. It discusses commercial applications, integration into the national airspace system (NAS), System function, operational procedures, safety concerns, and a host of other relevant topics. The book is dynamic and well-illustrated with separate sections for terminology and web- based resources for further information.

Douglas M. Marshall, J.D., is the president of TrueNorth Consulting LLC and an adjunct professor at the International Aviation Law Institute, De Paul University College of Law. Previously, he was division manager, UAS regulations and standards development at the Physical Science Laboratory, New Mexico State University; and professor of aviation at the University of North Dakota. He has participated full-time in UAS-related activities for more than 10 years, coedited and authored several books and publications, and served on numerous committees dedicated to the development of UAS. Currently, he chairs the ASTM F38.02.01 Task Group on Standards for Operations Over People.

Richard K. Barnhart, Ph.D., is a professor, associate dean of research, executive director of the Applied Aviation Research Center, and graduate faculty member at Kansas State Polytechnic. Previously, he was the head of the Aviation Department at Kansas State Polytechnic, and associate professor and acting department chair of the Aerospace Technology Department at Indiana State University. Dr. Barnhart holds an airframe and power plant certificate with inspection authorization, and is a former FAA-designated examiner for aircraft maintenance technicians. His industry experience includes work as an R&D inspector with Rolls-Royce Engine Company and as a systems instructor for American Trans Air.

Eric Shappee has been active in the field of aviation since 1986, and teaching since 1995. He is currently a professor of aviation in the Professional Pilot Program at Kansas State Polytechnic. He holds a commercial pilot certificate with instrument, multiengine, and glider ratings. He is a certified flight instructor with gold seal and a member of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators. He has attended the NTSB Academy, developed several risk assessment tools for Kansas State Polytechnic and other aviation organizations, and worked with unmanned aerial systems including the Predator and Aerosonde.

Michael Thomas Most, Ph.D., is the academic lead of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program at Kansas State Polytechnic. Previously, Dr. Most was an associate professor and chair of the Department of Aviation Technologies at Southern Illinois University. He has authored numerous articles for technical and refereed journals on aviation, aircraft design, and the use of GIS to investigate aviation-related environmental externalities, and delivered several peer-reviewed papers on these same topics. He holds FAA private pilot and A&P technician certificates, as well as ASTM National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies avionics certification.