CIM 1 Introduction to Computer Information Systems

Professor Sullivan

6/5/13

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the United States

The United States declared war on terrorism on September 11, 2001 following grievous acts of terror committed against the Untied States. We have since exercised a power military force against out enemies that is one of the most technological advanced in the world. A controversial offensive strategy used by our military is to strike enemy target from the air using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS’s). Formerly known as Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAV’s), these highly advanced mechanized drones have been a controversial part of our military since they have been commissioned for use. From friendly fire, attacking civilians, and crossing into another countries airspace illegally these drones and their pilots have proved that this new technology must be carefully used with a level of expertise and caution, and abide to international aerospace, war and humanitarian laws worldwide. The new domestic controversial issue that deemed unethical by a majority of the U.S. population is using these UAS’s on U.S. soil, as they are co notated as a military surveillance weapon. The Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) has just permitted the use of these drone to civilian, government, and research agencies with strict guidelines however, the FAA is planning to opening the skies to public and private drones by 2015 and projecting that more than 30,000 UAS’s could be in flight nationwide by 2020. I feel that allowing and permitting the use of UAS’s in the United States without proper polices and strict laws in place are unethical.

Specifically in California lawmakers are looking to attract the drone industry to the state by passing UAS friendly laws. This industry could bring $82 billion in to the states economy between the years of 2015 though 2025. California has a big stake in being the home state for the drone industry as there is an opportunity for the state to earn back some of the job creation involved with aviation and innovations in aerospace. California Assemblyman Steven Bradford has even proposed a set of tax breaks to attract the UAS industry to our state. The FAA has already handed out 1,400 waivers to public agencies alone and that’s not including governmental agency drone us. There are numerous test sights in California already including two San Diego and one Ventura County. Each test sight is operating different drones and testing how they can use them and what could be better for operating them in the U.S. These drone locations are expected to become focal points for drone development in the future and sources say that securing these tests sights in California will accelerate growth in the state though the technology will advance wither way.

Drone use U.S. has undoubtedly sparked privacy concerns and questions about the rules on how, where and by whom the system can be used. Already many of the nations industries are making prefigure claims about how they can use UAS’s in there own industry. Watchdog and news organizations say they can improve on reporting stories, patrol oil pipelines, ports and the coastline; emergency managers and first responders want to monitor and assess wildfires from the sky and view damage from natural disasters in real time; law enforcement officials see potential in using drones to conduct surveillance, search and rescue operations and fight drug trafficking; and shipping companies want to explore UAS’s use in inspecting and delivering packages. Research organizations have a bountiful amount of reasons to use drone and UC Davis has already been using drones to spray and fertilize crops since 2007. All of these reasons to use drones in their respective industries is valid however when is the line drawn about unethical use of UAS’s.

The FAA has taken practical steps to hear and get the public involved in the government privacy policy for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Already the FAA has held numerous online public engagements session by allowing the online community to comment on the agencies proposed policies on drone use. These are steps in the right direction to maintaining ethical drone use the United States but it is not enough to properly unsure peoples liberties are infringed. Far too often do we see technology outpace the law, and in this instance it can lead to drones hovering over your backyard and storing the aerial view for a purpose you do not know what. UAS’s can range from being cleverly disguised as a living hummingbird or being as big as a Boeing 737 plane. For this reason the public need to properly informed about what type of drone and what purpose are the drones being used for. Agencies and individuals should obtain warrants or permits to fly and record over public and private property to curtail privacy concerns. Proper training should be required to individuals piloting these Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to relieve safety concerns as well.

Agencies such as the American Civil Liberties Union and other watchdog organizations have already taken steps to unsure information collected for no investigational purposes is stored or used for other than its main purpose. The ACLU has already vocalized the need for a strict regulatory scheme to be in place to safeguard the rights of citizens. I believe with strict regulations and policies in place using UAS’s in the Untied States will not turn out to be unethical but fruitful more our society. If we are careful to not infringe on people liberties and jeopardized the safety of both our domestic aerospace and environment we can and will learn a lot by using drones in a ethical manner. In conclusion we must accept that Unmanned aerial vehicle are deemed for our sky’s as they are less costly than flying helicopters and other aerial vehicles and are being promoted and subsidized by the state and federal government.