ABSTRACT
Unmanned aircraft system (UAS) technology exists at the confluence of complex public safety policy issues. UASs are understandably a concern from the perspective of those who regulate and coordinate national airspace to enable safe commercial transport. The system for ensuring that public safety UAS operators can use their tools safely and effectively is still in its infancy. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has partnered with public safety drone users to develop practical testing, and many organizations are stepping in to provide training that includes flying drones in situations that simulate public safety UAS use. At the same time, mature sUAS programs in public safety organizations have recognized that sUAS training is not, and should not be like traditional flight training. A discussion of UAS policy requires some history for context. Much of the early development and use of UAS technology occurred in the framework of their military applications.
