When Regulation Meets Innovation: Unmanned Aircraft

In this episode of Innovation Meets Mission podcast host Tricia Ratliff speaks with experts Doug Davis and Andrew Lacher about their innovative work on aviation regulation to support the integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace. You’ll hear how regulatory changes in an environment of innovation came from a large collective of different perspectives and value systems across the aviation population which were essential to address the numerous challenges in a rapidly evolving technology. Andrew Lacher, NASA’s chief technologist, emphasizes understanding current aerospace regulatory frameworks before innovating. Doug Davis, with a background in airworthiness and cybersecurity at the FAA and Northrop Grumman share their experiences in developing regulations for unmanned aircraft, from using initial waivers to establishing comprehensive rules. They address the challenges of integrating rapid advancements, ensuring safety, and the surge in unmanned aircraft use post-9/11 and military operations. This episode highlights how innovative regulatory frameworks can enable new technologies, offering insights for aviation enthusiasts, tech aficionados, and those curious about future transportation. Listen now to explore the groundbreaking journey of unmanned aircraft in aviation!