Just wonderin'

[OldGunbunny]

Since we won't have pilots in UAS, I'm assuming there'll be no need of IFR clearances? Every flight will be IFR, won't it? Do Air Force drone pilots have IFR certs?

(Yes I'm bored and trying to stir up a discussion.)

 

[Cap'n Ron]

Every flight will be IFR, won't it?

I do not believe so. UAS only means no pilot aboard. Don't confuse "remotely piloted" UAS with "autonomous" UAS. I believe the autonomous flights will operate under VFR using "sense and avoid" including visual sensors. Those that operate in conditions less than VMC will be coordinated with the controlling ATC agency by the remote operator.

 

[GWelch]

What's uas?

 

[Tom J]

Unmanned Aerial Systems, currently drones.

 

[GWelch]

At first, I thought this was a weird question until I realized you were probably referring to larger ones that depart from airports and fly through our airspace. I saw examples of this on a trip along the Texas/Mexico border. Not sure what type of drones they were, but they were part of border patrol and taking off from an airport. If it was IMC, I can see an argument for them flying in the IFR system for traffic separation. I somehow doubt they do it, but it's an interesting question.