Soon UAVs Will Be Unable To Escape NTSB Scrutiny

NTSB: SAFER FLYING BY REPORTING UAV ACCIDENTS

(http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archive...ll.html#197538)
The NTSB is proposing changes to regulations that concern
reporting and notification with regard to aircraft incidents,
accidents, or collisions, because they currently do not adequately
cover unmanned aircraft. The notice of proposed rulemaking
(http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-6393.htm) seeks comment
prior to July and suggests that the definition of "aircraft
accident" be made to include "unmanned aircraft accident."
Specifically, revisions would be made to 49 CFR part 830 to cover
unmanned aircraft for the period starting from the time the
vehicle is activated and concluding when the vehicle is
deactivated. A UAV accident would be indicated by any person
suffering death or serious injury, or substantial damage done to
the aircraft while it is in operation. These additions, says
the NTSB, "will enhance aviation safety by providing the NTSB with
notification" of the aforementioned events.



http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-6393.htm
The NTSB proposes to add the definition of ``Unmanned aircraft
accident'' by adding the following text: ``Unmanned aircraft
accident means an occurrence associated with the operation of a
public or civil unmanned aircraft that takes place between the
time that the aircraft is activated with the purpose of flight and
the time that the aircraft is deactivated at the conclusion of its
mission, in which any person suffers death or serious injury, or
in which the aircraft receives substantial damage.'' The NTSB also
proposes to add a brief reference at the end of the existing
definition of ``aircraft accident'' in section 830.2, which will
state: ``For purposes of this part, the definition of `aircraft
accident' includes `unmanned aircraft accident,' as defined
herein.''

DATES: Submit comments on or before June 30, 2008.

You may send written comments to the Government-wide rulemaking
Web site: Go to

http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspubli...00006480414878
and follow the instructions for sending your comments
electronically. Document ID NTSB-2008-0004-0001