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Integrating unmanned aircraft systems into airport operations: From buy-in to public safety
Journal of Airport Management,
13
(4),
380-390
(2019)
Abstract
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is in the middle of its project to integrate unmanned aircraft system (UAS) technologies into its regular airport and airfield operations. The integration includes applications for inspection, maintenance, monitoring and facility management, including support for its Part 139 inspection protocols. As the project moves from Phase I to Phase II, lead members of the implementation team from Woolpert discuss the year of consultation that led into the first phase, lessons learned so far, how those lessons are being carried into the next phase, and how additional phases will be added as the project progresses, adapting and expanding to the changing needs of the airport, the technology, the rules and trajectory of the industry. The paper also evaluates’ how the industry is evolving, how the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is attempting to safeguard the private and commercial proliferation of UASs, and how recent drone sightings near airports play a role in developing standards for implementations such as this one at SAV.
Keywords: UAS; drones; airport operations; FAA; aviation; asset management
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
Thomas Mackie is the Aviation Geospatial Practice Leader with Woolpert and is responsible for leading the direction of Woolpert’s Aviation Practice by supporting his team and clients by implementing programmes that incorporate geospatially focused solutions to aviation-focused programmes. Thomas has a strong background in data development and systems deployment for aviation industry clients, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), public and private airports, the US military and land developers. His 25 years of geospatial experience ranges from field surveys to remote sensor operations to programme management. For the past 15 years, Thomas has been focused on implementing geospatial solutions to airport and air traffic programmes, such as airspace analysis, airfield mapping and inventory, enterprise information systems, computerised maintenance management software (CMMS), asset management, remote sensing products and surface modelling. Thomas is directly involved in the practice’s project and programme management responsibilities, business development, subject matter expertise, research and development (R&D) and recruiting and training activities. His most recent endeavour has been the integration of unmanned aircraft system (UAS)-related technology to the aviation industry, growing capabilities and solutions both internally to Woolpert as well as for the FAA and individual airports across the country. Thomas has overseen geospatial-related projects at over 1,500 airports around the world. A graduate of the Ohio State University (OSU), Thomas received his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and Remote Sensing in 1997, returning to OSU to complete a Geodetic Sciences degree in 2004. He is a proud Clevelander, a Vice President of the firm and a licensed Professional Surveyor in the state of Ohio.
Aaron Lawrence serves as the Technology Director of UASs and as a research scientist for Woolpert and has over 18 years of geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing experience developing processes for data creation, data exploitation and information gathering. Aaron has been instrumental in Woolpert’s adoption and proliferation of commercial UAS technology. He uses his GIS and remote sensing experience to develop processes for data creation, data exploitation and information gathering, leveraging various spaceborne, airborne and ground-based sensor platforms. Aaron has been integral in establishing the workflow for data collection utilising UASs, allowing Woolpert to approach collections with confidence. He helps the Woolpert staff and its clients across multiple markets understand the technical, governance and logistical aspects of UAS operations, saving each time and money by focusing on producing quality products and efficient processes. Between 2015 and 2019, Aaron conducted roughly 100 presentations at industry conferences, workshops and events across the world on UAS application, technology and innovations, and he has published multiple articles on UASs and their integration into commercial enterprises. A graduate of Hocking Technical College, Aaron has been flying drones commercially since the inception of Woolpert’s UAS capability in 2013; he was among the first group in the US to pass the FAA’s Part 107 Remote Pilot in Command Exam to fly drones commercially in 2016 and continues to mentor dozens of UAS pilots across the country.
