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This is for the folks with some aviation/legal background.
For those who have not had an unexpected NFZ forced landing, I wish you never do, but many of us have.
I am talking about being in the air, either by self authorizing, or it not being necessary due to the software not catching it, or erroneously determining you don't belong there after the fact.
As a part 107 UAV PIC, I have the responsibility to be in control of my aircraft at all times.
Scenario: I am flying over a highway (which is legal) and the software decides to put me down in traffic, causing a huge accident or incident. This might be a worse case scenario (flying over traffic is legal but not smart) but there are many other situations where losing control of your aircraft might have negative consequences to things other than your own equipment. Who then is liable, and is the pilot derelict in not maintaining control?
Make no mistake, the FAA considers these aircraft and I can think of no other aircraft manufacturer which allows software to take control away from the pilot without the ability to immediately override it.
I realize it will be hard to answer because so much is in grey area right now with regard to UAV integration, but as it stands now, how can this be legal, with regard to current U.S. FAA regulations?
For those who have not had an unexpected NFZ forced landing, I wish you never do, but many of us have.
I am talking about being in the air, either by self authorizing, or it not being necessary due to the software not catching it, or erroneously determining you don't belong there after the fact.
As a part 107 UAV PIC, I have the responsibility to be in control of my aircraft at all times.
Scenario: I am flying over a highway (which is legal) and the software decides to put me down in traffic, causing a huge accident or incident. This might be a worse case scenario (flying over traffic is legal but not smart) but there are many other situations where losing control of your aircraft might have negative consequences to things other than your own equipment. Who then is liable, and is the pilot derelict in not maintaining control?
Make no mistake, the FAA considers these aircraft and I can think of no other aircraft manufacturer which allows software to take control away from the pilot without the ability to immediately override it.
I realize it will be hard to answer because so much is in grey area right now with regard to UAV integration, but as it stands now, how can this be legal, with regard to current U.S. FAA regulations?