11–4–7 UAS Traffic Management (UTM)

a. UTM Operations. UTM is predicated on layers of information sharing and data exchange amongst a range of stakeholders including UAS operators, service providers, and the FAA to achieve safe operations. Operators share their flight intent with each other and coordinate to de-conflict and safely separate trajectories. The primary means of communication and coordination between operators, the FAA, and other stakeholders is through a distributed information network, rather than between pilots and air traffic controllers via traditional voice communications. The FAA makes real-time airspace constraints available to UAS operators, who are responsible for managing their own operations safely within these constraints without receiving ATC services from the FAA. However, the FAA does have access to applicable UTM operational information as necessary.

b. UAS operators not receiving ATC separation services are required to participate in UTM at some level using applicable services to meet the performance requirements of their operations. See Figure 11-4-2 for UTM in the context of Air Traffic Management operations. The number and type of services required varies based on the type and location of the intended operation and the associated communication, navigation, surveillance (CNS), and other operational needs.

c. Stakeholders in UTM:

1. FAA, the federal authority over aircraft operations in all airspace, and the regulator and oversight authority for civil aircraft operations in the NAS.

2. Operator, the person or entity responsible for the overall management of their operation. The operator meets regulatory responsibilities, plans flight/operations, shares operation intent information, and safely conducts operations using all available information.

3. Remote pilot-in-command (RPIC), the person responsible for the safe conduct of each UAS flight. An individual may serve as both the operator and the RPIC.

4. Other stakeholders (e.g., public safety and general public), can access information and/or utilize UTM services via the USS Network.