A proposal to create new restricted airspace in North Dakota for training of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) raises more questions than it answers, undermines safety, and would set a dangerous precedent in creating additional restricted airspace for use solely by UAS, AOPA said.
On Nov. 28, the FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would create restricted airspace for training UAS within and beyond the boundaries of the existing Devil’s Lake Military Operations Area (MOA). The NPRM said the restricted areas were needed to permit “realistic training” in modern tactics. UAS would be launched from the Grand Forks, N.D., Air Force Base. Recovery operations would also be staged there.
AOPA pointed out that the proposal does nothing to explain how the UAS would be safely flown to and from the training areas from Grand Forks, and how pilots in the area would be informed of those transient operations. AOPA also is concerned with the proposal’s potential to set a precedent by creating restricted airspace specifically for the purpose of UAS operations.
Pilots are encouraged to review the NPRM and submit comments on or before Feb. 12, to the FAA by email, referring to FAA Docket No. FAA-2011-0117 and Airspace Docket No. 09 (refer to AGL-31). Please also share your comments with AOPA.
