UAS: Maintenance

Whether you are a freelance real-estate photographer or an employee of a large corporation, if you operate a Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) for non-recreational purposes, you are responsible for ensuring it is safe to operate, but many UAS departments do not have a specific process or procedures to verify a safe operation.

According to 14 CFR 107.15(a) and (b): No person may operate a civil small, unmanned aircraft system unless it is in a condition for safe operation. Prior to each flight, the remote pilot-in-command must check the small, unmanned aircraft system to determine whether it is in a condition for safe operation.

Current regulations and requirements for sUAS maintenance refer only to maintaining airworthiness, with no specific scheduled or unscheduled maintenance practices required. As the demand for small, unmanned aircraft systems continues to grow, the safety threat will rise. The UAS: Maintenance module is intended to introduce elements and best practices of a UAS maintenance program.