operation of any sUAS. I understand there are some rumblings that the OEM is considering publicizing a suggested maintenance program. I question the wisdom of a suggested and voluntary sUAS maintenance program, however at least the subject is in discussion and therefore there is some hope! Also, the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA,
formally ALEA) through its Public Safety Aviation Accreditation Commission has issued “Standards for public Safety small unmanned Aircraft system (sUAS) programs” which provides an extensive guideline for both pilot certification, and sUAS maintenance. They have adopted many of the rules and protocol that govern a manned aircraft operation. I just finished reading an article published through
Embry-Riddle: “UAS Maintenance: critical component in maintaining airworthiness” Authored by: Bettina M. Mrusek, Kristy W. Kiernan and Patti J. Clark, all members of the prestigious Embry-Riddle faculty. This paper delves into the importance of incorporating into the sUAS industry the same Scheduled Maintenance procedures for piloted aircraft that has evolved while not accidentally, but has evolved because of accidents over the years. The system has moved from a reactive
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HelicopterMaintenanceMagazine.com February | March 2020
pursuit of “fly-fix-fly” to the predictive, sustained maintenance undertaking we use today for manned aircraft. The application of this program, was conceived and is currently embraced by all stake holders, beginning with the FAA, and includes the OEM’s, aircraft operators, pilots, component manufactures and technicians. This validated maintenance protocol should be, at the least, a starting point for a discussion within the sUAS OEM’s, the FAA and the sUAS community at large.
So although there is hope, in the meantime, I remain
apprehensive for the following reasons: First, the sUAS is easy to fly — almost too easy! I
know — I own a DJI Spark. This ease of operation coupled with the high-tech reliability promotes a false self confidence in your flying competence as well as the capability of the aircraft you are flying — AKA: operator complacency! Next while inexpensive compared to a manned
rotorcraft, the sUAS OEM has garnered a staggering amount of dollars generated from the sale of over 2,000,000 “aviation toys” that have morphed into working aircraft and insinuated themselves into the NAS. This makes sUAS OEMs a powerful cartel-
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