UTM Field Test (UFT) - FAQs

  • What is the role of the Flight Information Management System (FIMS)?
    • FIMS is an interface for data exchange between FAA systems and Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) participants. FIMS is managed by the FAA and is a part of the UTM ecosystem. For additional details on FIMS, please refer to the UTM Pilot Program 2 Final Report (PDF).
  • Does FIMS provide constraints to stakeholders?
    • FIMS is capable of exchanging airspace constraint data between the FAA and the UAS Service Supplier (USS) Network, including information generated by FAA. In the interest of modernization, the FAA is undertaking activities in parallel with UFT to normalize, convert, and provide USSs with constraint data in an easy-to-use format via FIMS. This may include Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), Notice of Airman (NOTAM) messages, and other relevant data.
  • How are the final UFT requirements and scenarios being developed?
    • Testing requirements and final scenarios for the program will be developed collaboratively between the selected Test Sites, industry partners, FAA, and NASA, to meet the goals and objectives of the project.
  • What technology and infrastructure will be needed from industry to support UFT?
    • The FAA expects the selected Test Sites and industry partners to provide the necessary technology and infrastructure required to support the execution and testing of the final scenarios that will be developed collaboratively. These technologies and infrastructure must support the objectives of the projects and the requirements to be outlined in the selected Test Site agreements upon award.
  • What will UAS operators be allowed to do that they cannot today coming out of the program?
    • The outcomes of the program will provide the necessary stakeholders with information to support policy development and maturation of industry standards to support routine BVLOS operations. Test infrastructure updated through field testing activities will allow for continued collaboration between the FAA and the UTM community to advance UTM ecosystem. UFT participation, however, does not constitute operational approval.
  • Why are Certificates of Authorization (COAs) and waivers needed if UFT is intended to test technology for routine BVLOS operations?
    • The UFT is intended to test technology and standards to support future routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, however, the testing must be conducted under existing regulations with the necessary COAs as applicable until the implementation of a BVLOS Final Rule.
  • Why is the UFT considering Visual Line of Sight Operations as part of testing?
    • The FAA considers UTM to be how UAS operations are managed below 400 feet, including both Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) and BVLOS operations.
  • How is Remote Identification (Remote ID) being explored in UTM Field Test?
    • Remote ID broadcast information acts as a "digital license plate." UFT will use Remote ID data to test future FAA services such as UAS data correlation and associated cybersecurity features to allow the FAA and authorized entities to correlate the Remote ID data with other data such as UAS registration and airspace waivers.
  • What are the cybersecurity principles considered in UFT?
    • UTM is an information-based enterprise. UFT will explore ways to ensure the security of information exchanges among UTM stakeholders in alignment the Zero Trust security principles of information integrity, authentication, authorization, and confidentiality. For additional information, please refer to the current version of FAA UTM Concept of Operations (PDF).
  • What is an "authorized entity," relative to UTM?
    • The term "authorized entity" refers to entities (e.g., law enforcement) who are approved by the FAA to receive information such as aircraft registration data.
  • How can industry participate within the UFT?
    • The FAA utilizes a Screening Information Request (SIR) and Statement of Objectives (SOO) that will be issued to FAA UAS Test Sites, and encourages diverse participation from industry through partnership with the Test Sites. Participating Test Sites and their industry partners will be selected based on the strength of their proposals as outlined in the SIR.
  • How can state and local organizations support the UFT?
    • State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) organizations can also participate in UFT through partnership with FAA UAS Test Sites.
Last updated: Friday, May 27, 2022