Abstract: Case Analysis (2.7)

ABSTRACT
Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) parts have not yet proven to have a level of airworthiness (i.e., safety) to allow for the commercial introduction and operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) within the National Airspace System (NAS). When the average person is asked to describe a drone, or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the most common description given, is that used by the military, one that performs reconnaissance and weapons delivery missions, the Predator UAS. These and similar military UAVs, large and small, are built to satisfy a military mission, most not all, are built to military specifications. These UAVs are flying their missions over or in military air space and in foreign countries. None of these UASs are manufactured by an approved quality system, with approved parts or processes, nor are they required to be maintained by approved mechanics or repairman.
Here is the problem; the public perception is these systems can be introduced into the NAS and flown for commercial purposes (profitability) without having to implement any further safeguards or quality standards into the manufacturing process or the continued airworthiness of the system. This perception is highly flawed while the systems may not have changed, flying in the NAS has. Constant communication is required with ATC and with surrounding aircraft that are now also flying within the vicinity of the UAV, aircraft that they now need to see-n-avoid. The software, flight controls and data arrays that allow for the control of the UAS to accomplish these critical see-n-avoid maneuvers need to be from an approved and quality source. The UAS programs cannot be allowed to have unapproved parts introduced into the UAS system from a COTS supplier without the benefit of an approved quality process. Otherwise, this clearly is a breakdown in the manufacturing quality system and a breakdown in continued airworthiness.
The intent of this research, is to show through case analysis, how the implementation of Regulatory requirements in approving the manufacturing quality system and associated processes, or acceptance of the quality standards for those manufacturers that are accredited IS09001 /AS9100 will assure the airworthiness of proposed UAS for commercial use into the NAS.