UAVs are becoming more common in the civilian sector as well. The Predator drone is currently assisting the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to spot illegal immigrants and smugglers that jump the border into the U.S. "NASA-operated Global Hawks record atmospheric data and peer into hurricanes." (Horgan, 2013). UAVs have also been helpful in gathering volcano data, archaeological data, and flooding in multiple countries world-wide.
Currently, the FAA's regulations are restricting the use of UAVs by government agencies and also by private companies. Hobbyists are not subject to the same regulations. "Even with an FAA permit, operators can’t fly UAVs above 400 feet or near airports or other zones with heavy air traffic, and they must maintain visual contact with the drones." (Horgan, 2013) The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Section 333 is responsible for the regulation of civilian application of UAVs. Under Section 333, the Secretary of Transportation has the authority to decide whether UAVs require an airworthiness certificate in order to operate in the NAS (National Airspace System). If applied for, a Section 333 exemption allows civilian operators to bypass the regulations set forth in Section 333.
I do see UAVs integrating into the NAS, but regulations and harsh penalties need to be in place in regards to those that break the rules. One example of this would be invasions of privacy. I recently recall a news story of a man that shot a UAV (civilian owned) out of the sky after he witnessed the craft hovering over his backyard for an excessive amount of time. According to the man, he felt that the UAV operator was hovering in order to spy on his teenage daughter and her friends as they sunbathed by the pool. If regulations were in place that protected a family's privacy, it would serve as a deterrent against such things.
Military strategy has been altered due to the use of UAVs in a big way. Where it used to require boots on the ground in order to gather intelligence, recon, and carry out surveillance, UAVs can be used in many cases. "In 2005, tactical and theater level unmanned aircraft (UA) alone, had flown over 100,000 flight hours in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF)." (The UAV) Integration has been mixed, in my opinion. On one hand, UAVs can do things that no combat troop can achieve. They have saved many lives for the simple fact that they can keep troops from having to be on the ground. On the other hand, there is a great pride taken by Special Operations troops and Infantrymen who knowingly signed a contract to go out and meet the enemies of our country, and the thought of becoming obsolete does not sit well with them. In addition to the ground troops, pilots that have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft are being replaced by individuals with little or no experience in combat, who don't experience the hardships that come with a combat deployment. Consider also the fact that UAVs cannot prevent collateral damage, and the morality of an operator sitting at a desk in the U.S. comes into question. Regardless of the upsides, there is no better source than boots on the ground with eyes on target. Working together, there are many upsides, but one without the other could have negative outcomes.
In the civilian sector, there are many opportunities for a career flying UAVs. An operator opportunity with Ratheon can be found Here. An opportunity to work as an analyst for Skunk Works can be found Here.
Horgan, John. "Unmanned Flight: The Drones Come Home." http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com /2013/03/unmanned-flight/horgan-text. 2013. Web. 5 Oct. 2015.
The UAV - The Future Of The Sky
(The UAV) http://www.theuav.com/
I agree with what you said about invasions of privacy. I can definitely see that becoming an issue with drone technology. I do agree that we need to have penalties for those who break or violate such laws because these invasions of privacy are such a big deal nowadays.
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