U.S. DOT Volpe Center data experts Tom Sheridan, PhD, and Jason Lu developed a model to inform Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) decisions on where small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) can and cannot fly near commercial airspace. The model uses data on takeoffs, landings, and aircraft designs to show the risks of collision between small UAS and aircraft in specific chunks of airspace near airports.

Watch the highlight video below for more on how Sheridan and Lu’s work is helping FAA make informed decisions about allowing small UAS operations near airports.