Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

REGULATORS

• How does the InterUSS Platform align with existing aviation regulations?

The InterUSS Platform operates within the framework established by national and international aviation regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in the European Union. The platform is designed to ensure that UTM Service Suppliers (USS) or U-space Service Providers (USSP) adhere to existing regulations regarding airspace use, standards, and operational procedures. It facilitates the sharing of necessary data, like operational intent or , between different USS/USSP to comply with these regulations.

The solutions developed by the InterUSS Platform are designed to be interoperable across USS/USSP. This interoperability ensures that different USS/USSP can seamlessly communicate and share operational in real-time. By enabling this seamless exchange, the InterUSS Platform supports a cohesive and unified approach to UTM, ensuring that drone operations are safe, efficient, and compliant with aviation regulations across various service providers even as the volume of data and complexity of airspace management increase.

The InterUSS Platform’s solutions are designed to be flexible and scalable, allowing them to adapt to future regulatory changes. As aviation authorities develop new rules for UAS operations and UTM, the platform can incorporate these changes, ensuring ongoing compliance.

• How can regulatory bodies participate in the development of the InterUSS Platform?

Regulatory bodies can participate in the development of the InterUSS Platform in two key ways:

1. Becoming an Associate Member: This role involves direct involvement in the platform’s development and governance.
2. Participating in the Advisory Council: Open to governmental and intergovernmental bodies, the Advisory Council provides strategic guidance and recommendations on the platform’s development. Members offer high-level advice, review progress, and ensure alignment with regulatory frameworks and policy objectives.

• What’s the role of automated testing in accelerating the development and deployment of UTM services?

Automated testing plays a crucial role in accelerating the development and deployment of UTM services by ensuring that new features, updates, and integrations are rigorously tested for reliability, interoperability, and compliance with regulations and industry standards. It enhances development speed by allowing quick validation of code changes and new features, ensuring that they meet safety and operational criteria. Automated testing also ensures interoperability across different USS/USSP, verifying that services can seamlessly exchange data while adhering to regulatory and standards requirements.

By consistently testing for quality, reliability, and regulatory compliance, automated systems help maintain high standards, reducing the risk of errors and regulatory breaches.

Additionally, automated testing supports regulatory oversight and auditing by providing a systematic and transparent means to verify that USS/USSP are adhering to established standards and regulations. This transparency helps regulators monitor and audit USS/USSP more effectively, ensuring that they operate within the required safety and compliance frameworks.

Furthermore, automated testing provides a scalable solution as UTM systems grow in complexity, ensuring that they continue to meet regulatory and standard requirements.

INDUSTRY

• How does the InterUSS Platform facilitate interoperability between different UAS systems?

The InterUSS Platform ensures interoperability between UAS systems through several key mechanisms:

1. Standardized Communication Protocols: It uses common protocols for seamless data exchange between various USS/USSP.
2. Unified Data Formats: The platform adopts standard data formats to ensure consistent interpretation and processing of information.
3. Real-Time Data Exchange: It supports the sharing of up-to-date information about drone operations and airspace status.
4. Automated Interoperability Testing: Automated testing verifies that USS/USSP can communicate and operate together effectively.
5. API Integration: Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) allow different systems to connect and share data.
6. Regulatory Compliance: The platform ensures that USS/USSP meet necessary safety and operational standards.
7. Discovery and Synchronization Service (DSS): DSS enables automatic discovery of USS/USSP and synchronizes data between them, ensuring efficient coordination and data sharing.

GENERAL

• What is the InterUSS Platform and how does it work?

The InterUSS Platform is a Linux Foundation project focused on creating interoperable solutions for UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Traffic Management (UTM). Its goal is to ensure safe, efficient, and coordinated drone operations by enabling seamless communication and data exchange between different UAS Service Suppliers (USS).

• Governance Structure:

1. Governing Board: The platform is guided by a Governing Board, which meets every two months. This board makes strategic decisions and oversees the project’s alignment with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
2. Technical Steering Committee: This committee handles the technical direction of the platform. It oversees the development and implementation of core solutions, such as the Discovery and Synchronization Service (DSS), automated testing, and automated approval processes, ensuring they meet the platform’s goals for interoperability and safety.
3. Outreach Committee: The Outreach Committee manages external relations and oversees the Advisory Council. The Advisory Council, composed of governmental and intergovernmental bodies, meets four times a year to provide strategic input and ensure the platform aligns with evolving regulatory and policy needs.

• Core Solutions:

1. DSS Implementation: The Discovery and Synchronization Service (DSS) enables different USS/USSP to discover each other and synchronize their operational data, facilitating coordinated and safe drone operations.
2. Automated Testing: The platform offers automated testing to verify that different UTM systems can communicate effectively and comply with regulations, maintaining high safety and operational standards.
3. Automated Approval: This feature streamlines the approval process for flight plans and operations, reducing delays and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

• How does the InterUSS Platform make drone operations safer?

The InterUSS Platform enhances the safety of drone operations by enabling real-time coordination and data sharing between different UTM systems, which helps prevent collisions and airspace conflicts. It also conducts automated testing to ensure that all systems meet strict safety standards before being deployed. The automated approval processes further ensure that every flight is pre-checked for compliance with safety regulations, reducing the risk of errors.

• Are there any case studies or success stories to share about the InterUSS Platform?

Yes, there are several case studies and success stories available on the UTM/U-space deployments page. One of the most recent successes is the integration of automated testing as a key stage in the U.S. UTM implementation in Dallas.

• Can anyone contribute to the development of the InterUSS Platform?

Yes, anyone can contribute to the development of the InterUSS Platform. Individuals can participate as contributors by working on the platform’s open-source projects. Additionally, companies can become members of the InterUSS Platform, allowing them to play a more active role in its development and governance, including participation in committees and decision-making processes.

• How does open-source help keep the cost of drone operations down?

Open-source software reduces the cost of drone operations by eliminating expensive licensing fees and lowering development costs. It allows for customization and flexibility, enabling operators to tailor systems to their needs without relying on costly proprietary solutions. The community-driven nature of open-source fosters continuous innovation and provides regular updates at no extra cost. Additionally, open-source prevents vendor lock-in, supports scalability, and reduces maintenance expenses through broad community support. These factors collectively make drone operations more affordable and accessible.