The AOPA article Frank linked to is very discouraging. There are 273
active Certificates of Authorization in the USA, all involving
unmanned systems, but the FAA won't identify where the operation areas
are. AOPA has been trying to get a list of the COAs from the FAA for 4
years, but the FAA refuses to provide it.

This makes no sense. The F-177 and other classified aircraft were
developed inside distinct areas published on aviation charts. Pilots
could call a published number and find out if it was safe to fly in
those areas. In this way public safety and military necessity worked
together well, without compromising security. How come UAVs can't work
this way?

The FAA is supposed to be publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM) sometime in June 2011 concerning the operation of unmanned
aircraft systems (UAS) in the national airspace. If would be great if
this NPRM, when it becomes available, is linked to by whoever on RAS
sees it.

-John

On Jan 14, 10:59 am, Frank Whiteley wrote:
Coming to an airport near you. (Hey, Wichita)http://tinyurl.com/478oqcf