My presentation from the SARP meeting at NASA Ames on May 18, 2016

1. sUAS/sRPAS
Defining and Mitigating Risk
White Paper- Risk Factors and Opportunities in small
Unmanned Aircraft Systems; Economic security, robust
defense in depth, civilian operations and civil defense.
PATRICK EGAN
CO-AUTHORS
KIRK GRENINGER
MELISSA HERSH
UTM/sARP

2. Risk Threshold Established
• While the best practices constitute a good first step, we
must establish and bolster a professional position based on
the scientific method. True, there has been much debate on
a starting point(s) over the years, and this is where we
should abandon any preconceived speculations and start
with the Registration Task Force established 250 grams (.55
pounds).

3. > 250g
• We can work our way up incrementally in weight and velocity.
• That research can then be matched to existing standards and
codes:
• ASTM – building materials e.g. sheeting, structural glass,
• IBC (International Building Code) damage to structures
• SAE – automobiles, including glass

4. Research Considerations
• At the lower end of the spectrum, reducing risk of
injury with lighter weight vehicles may include them
being constructed primarily of wood, foam and or
plastic and of frangible construction, which have no
sharp edges or protrusions. Use of prop guards
whenever possible would also offer increased
protection for non participants.
• Evaluate material densities
• As the weight and respected velocity of aircraft
increases, other mitigators, and best practices will
need to be developed for each respective group or
category. (Two through four, etc.)

5. Best Practices for sUAS/sRPAS
• UAS community developed best practices could go a long
way in mitigating risks and diminish some of the public
perception issues facing today's drone operator.
• These best practices should include a framework that
would lend itself to preparing non-aviators with the tools or
a starting point for checklists (beyond OEM) and an
emergency procedures outline. Some may feel this is
redundant or unnecessary, but experience has proven that
these staples reduce mishaps and save lives.
• For example the RCAPA Proposed guidelines

6. Other Considerations
• Should we as an industry develop an engineering code of
ethics?
• Should industry OEM’s fund and conduct independent
scientific kinetic energy research?
(test dummies, GA aircraft, structures)
• Require DO 178C software certification for heavier UA and
BVLOS operations?
• Do we need a drone integration Czar?

7. Questions
patrickegan@omegaunmanned.com
patrick@suasnews.com