Operating drones in the United States requires adherence to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) regulatory framework, including Part 107 for small UAS operations and the upcoming Part 108, which will address Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. These regulations establish safety, operational, and technological requirements to ensure the seamless integration of drones into the National Airspace System (NAS).

AirHub’s software platform provides UAS operators with the tools to ensure compliance with current FAA regulations and prepare for advanced BVLOS operations under Part 108. With features like airspace awareness, flight planning, asset management, and maintenance tracking, AirHub simplifies operational workflows and enhances regulatory compliance.

Compliance with FAA Part 107: Small UAS Operations

Part 107 governs most commercial drone operations in the United States, outlining requirements for airspace access, pilot certification, and operational protocols. AirHub’s platform helps operators meet these requirements efficiently:

1. Airspace Awareness and Access

• Dynamic Airspace Data: AirHub integrates real-time airspace data, including controlled airspaces, restricted areas, and temporary flight restrictions (TFRs). This helps operators remain compliant with Part 107 by avoiding unauthorized areas.

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• LAANC Provider Integration: While AirHub does not offer LAANC directly, we can integrate with LAANC providers, enabling operators to request airspace authorizations for controlled airspaces seamlessly within our platform.

2. Pilot Certification and Skills Management

• Training and Certification Tracking: AirHub tracks pilot certifications, including Part 107 remote pilot certificates and recurrent training requirements, ensuring that all pilots are qualified to operate within regulatory guidelines.

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• Skills Validation: Operators can document and validate practical skills, such as proficiency in night operations or specific equipment use, ensuring that teams remain compliant with operational standards.

3. Flight Planning and Logging

• Flight Planning Tools: AirHub enables comprehensive flight planning, allowing operators to set operational parameters that align with Part 107 regulations. These include altitude limits (e.g., 400 feet AGL), avoiding manned air traffic, and ensuring visual line of sight (VLOS) compliance.

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• Automated Logbook: Our platform automatically logs flight details, capturing required data such as location, duration, and operational conditions. These records ensure operators are audit-ready and can demonstrate compliance with FAA requirements.

4. Operational Standards

• Operational Protocols: AirHub allows organizations to develop, store, and standardize operational standards and protocols. This ensures consistency across teams, reduces human error, and meets FAA requirements for safe and efficient operations.

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• Emergency Response Planning: Operators can create and store emergency response protocols, ensuring readiness to address incidents such as lost communication or unexpected flight termination.

AirHub also supports the integration of Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) tools into its workflows, providing operators with real-time airspace updates and situational awareness to ensure compliance with FAA airspace safety requirements.

Preparing for FAA Part 108: BVLOS Operations

Part 108, currently in development, will establish guidelines for routine BVLOS operations, enabling applications like long-distance infrastructure inspections, delivery services, and autonomous drone operations. AirHub’s platform provides the tools operators need to meet anticipated requirements under this new framework.

1. Pilot Certification for BVLOS

The FAA is expected to introduce a new Remote Pilot certification rating specific to BVLOS operations, building on the existing Part 107 certification. AirHub’s platform helps operators manage:

• Pilot Certification Tracking: Ensures all pilots have the necessary certifications and additional BVLOS-specific training.

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• Training Modules for BVLOS Operations: Organizations can log and track BVLOS-focused training, ensuring pilots are prepared for certification and operational requirements.

2. BVLOS Operational Standards

Part 108 will likely require specific operational standards to ensure the safety and efficiency of BVLOS flights. AirHub supports these needs through:

• Flight Planning and Monitoring: Operators can plan long-distance missions using AirHub’s flight planning tools and monitor flights in real time, ensuring adherence to operational standards and safety protocols.

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• Emergency Protocols for BVLOS: AirHub allows for the development and implementation of emergency protocols tailored to BVLOS scenarios, such as detect-and-avoid maneuvers and loss-of-link procedures.

3. Technological Requirements

Advanced technologies, such as detect-and-avoid (DAA) systems, will be critical for BVLOS compliance under Part 108. AirHub integrates with various airspace awareness and detection systems, enabling operators to:

• Detect Manned Aircraft: Our platform integrates with ADS-B systems and other traffic monitoring tools to enhance situational awareness and reduce airspace conflict risks.

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• Execute Tactical Mitigations: Operators can use integrated airspace data and detection feeds to implement avoidance protocols, ensuring safe interactions with other airspace users.

Ensuring Airworthiness and Maintenance Compliance

Maintaining the airworthiness of UAS and associated equipment is essential for both Part 107 and Part 108 operations. AirHub simplifies compliance with FAA maintenance requirements through robust asset management and maintenance tracking features:

1. Asset Management

• Drones, Batteries, and Payloads: Track the status of all assets, including firmware updates, flight hours, and maintenance history, ensuring equipment remains operationally ready.

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• Documentation Storage: Store maintenance records, manufacturer declarations, and other critical documents directly in the platform for easy access during audits.

2. Maintenance Scheduling

• Automated Workflows: Schedule maintenance based on flight hours, number of flights, or time intervals, ensuring compliance with FAA airworthiness standards and minimizing operational downtime.

Conclusion: Supporting FAA Compliance with AirHub

The FAA’s regulatory framework for UAS operations, including Part 107 and the upcoming Part 108, requires organizations to prioritize safety, risk management, and operational efficiency. AirHub’s platform integrates essential features like airspace management, real-time monitoring, and automated workflows to help operators comply with these regulations and prepare for the future of advanced BVLOS operations.

Whether conducting VLOS operations today or planning for BVLOS missions in the future, AirHub provides the tools needed to operate safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with FAA standards.

For more information or to schedule a demo, visit www.airhub.app.