Evaluation of remotely piloted aircraft systems integration into non-segregated airspace in terms of pilotage and air traffic management

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) systems are unmanned systems of the future, where significant research and investments are made and the production and usage of which are rapidly increasing. As demand for civilian use of RPAs increases, the requirement to integrate RPA flight operations into non-segregated airspace becomes a necessity. The integration of RPAs in non-segregated airspace could be considered one of the most important changes since the use of jet-powered aircraft. Because the existing air traffic management (ATM) structure is designed to perform safe flight operations of manned aircraft. Therefore, RPAs entering the ATM system as a new aircraft are not expected to affect current and future air traffic users and their structure. In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the applicability and repeatability of existing manned aviation rules to RPAs from the point of view of air traffic control and pilotage to increase the potential use of RPAs in civil area and to make sustainable progress. For this purpose, a model proposal including flight operations with manned aircraft in the non-segregated airspace of RPA systems is presented. Real-time simulation method has been used to investigate the effects of RPA systems on the existing ATM and to ensure the validity of the model proposal in the integration of non-segregated airspace. The model proposal that manned and unmanned aerial vehicles in the air traffic management ecosystem can perform safe and efficient operations was implemented in the simulation environment and validated by the relevant stakeholders. As a result of the proposed model, it is seen that the RPA pilot and controllers performing the same routine flight operations. Thus, positive progress has been achieved in safe and efficient integration into the non-segregated airspace. In this study, a concept is introduced to gradually integrate the integration of RPA systems in non-segregated airspace without making changes in the legislation of manned aviation. An equivalent safety layer of manned and unmanned aerial vehicles has been identified and verified in different simulation scenarios. Significant reductions in the total flight time, total flight distance, and instruction numbers of a RPA performing the proposed model were observed. Simulation results, as well as field visits, showed that in mixed traffic flight operations where manned and unmanned aircraft existed, the aircraft could be carried out with minimum intervention by applying existing procedures and appropriate task planning. Keywords: Remotely piloted aircraft systems, Remotely piloted aircraft, Air traffic management, RPA traffic management