As reported in last week’s NAAA eNewsletter,
Raleigh, N.C.-based PrecisionHawk, an unmanned aerial systems and remote sensing
company, has been working with the FAA on a possible research partnership to expand use of UAS in the nation’s airspace. NAAA
contacted PrecisionHawk this week to find out more about the company’s
UAS tracking system entitled the Low Altitude Tracking and Avoidance System
(LATAS).
The LATAS system uses the existing cellphone data network to
transmit UAS locations via a small 110 gram box, which can also be integrated into
the circuitry of the UAS. The UAS operator and any other interested party, such
as an aerial applicator, can then see the UAS location via a smartphone app.
The system has airport locations integrated into it, preventing UAS from flying
within 5 miles of an airport and near other restricted areas.
LATAS also allows UAS users to program a flight plan into
the app, which can then be seen by other app users alerting them to potential
UAS operations occurring in their area.
NAAA is in conversations with Precision Hawk regarding LATAS
and looking into it as a possible method to assist aerial applicators with
seeing small UAS. Further information can be found on PrecisionHawk’s website flylatas.com.