Making a UTM Ecosystem a Reality

Abstract

In 2019, the FAA demonstrated new UTM services, building upon existing UAS Traffic Management (UTM) Services. These services include the exchange of flight intent and the transmission of notifications - known as UAS Volume Reservations (UVRs) - to UAS Operators regarding air and ground activities relevant to their safe operation. The FAA collaborated with industry partners to demonstrate and integrate these UTM services to support UAS operations enabling them to become more efficient. UAS flight operations were conducted beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and included such applications as package delivery, a survey of distant surrounding agricultural fields report, and an inspection of power lines. Sharing UVR information allows operators to efficiently deconflict with other flights, demonstrating that these prototype services are critical in supporting UTM on a scale that will enable widespread BVLOS operations.This paper describes UTM services including operation planning, authentication and authorization, USS-USS communication, Remote Identification (RID), UVR distribution, and query requests for operation and public safety operations. The UTM Agile Capability Development Cycle is introduced in the context of broader UTM and the next steps in researching, development and implementing a future UTM ecosystem presented.