Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems is the editors’ response to their unsuccessful search for suitable university-level textbooks on this subject. A collection of contributions from top experts, this book applies the depth of their expertise to identify and survey the fundamentals of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations. Written from a nonengineering civilian operational perspective, the book starts by detailing the history of UASs and then explores current technology and what is expected for the future. Covering all facets of UAS elements and operation―including an examination of safety procedures and human factors―this material gives readers a truly complete and practical understanding of what it takes to safely operate UASs for a variety of missions in the National Airspace System. Topics covered include: The U.S. aviation regulatory system Certificate of authorization process UAS for geospatial data Automation and autonomy in UAS Sensors and payloads With helpful end-of-chapter discussion questions, this resource is designed to give beginning university students and other new entrants to the field a comprehensive, easy-to-understand first overview of the field. The book’s broad scope also makes it useful as a foundation for professionals embarking on further study. "… aims at identifying and surveying the basic fundamentals of UAS operations, and as such, it can serve as a textbook for introductory collegiate courses in UASs. Written from a non-engineering civilian operational perspective, the book starts with the history of UASs and continues with the presentation of current technology… Covering all facets of UAS elements and operation, as well as the safety procedures and human factors, it gives the reader a practical understanding of what it takes to safely operate UASs." ―Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, February 2016 "The key differentiator between this and other introductory texts is that each chapter has a different author, each an experienced expert within the field, providing an unusual range of knowledge and expertise within a single text. … Overall, a well-written introduction to the field." ―The Aerospace Professional Richard K. Barnhart, Ph.D., is professor and head of the Aviation Department at Kansas State University (K-State; Salina) in addition to serving as the executive director of the Applied Aviation Research Center at K-State, which oversees the newly established Unmanned Aerial Systems program office. Dr. Barnhart is a member of the graduate faculty at K-State and holds a commercial pilot certificate with instrument, multiengine, seaplane, and glider ratings. He also is a certified flight instructor with instrument and multiengine ratings. Dr. Barnhart holds an airframe and power-plant certificate with inspection authorization. In addition, he holds an A.S. in aviation maintenance technology from Vincennes University (Indiana), a B.S. in aviation administration from Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana), an MBAA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach, Florida), and a Ph.D. in educational administration from Indiana State University (Terra Haute). Dr. Barnhart’s research agenda is focused in aviation psychology and human factors. His industry experience includes work as a research and development (R&D) inspector with Rolls-Royce Engine Company, and systems instructor for American Trans-Air airlines. Most recently, Dr. Barnhart was associate professor and acting department chair of the Aerospace Technology Department at Indiana State University, where he was responsible for teaching flight and upper-division administrative classes. Courses taught include Aviation Risk Analysis, Citation II Ground School, King Air 200 Flight, Air Navigation, Air Transportation, Instrument Ground School, and many others. Stephen B. Hottman is the director of the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Technical Analysis and Applications Center (TAAC) and associate dean for Research and Development and senior deputy director of the New Mexico State University (NMSU; Las Cruces) Physical Science Laboratory (PSL). The TAAC includes all of the UAS research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) and operations that are taking place in the National Airspace System (NAS). The UAS TAAC is evolving into a center of influence for global UAS RDT&E and airspace integration and access. Hottman’s areas of responsibility include leadership for two separate departments. The 21st Century Aerospace Department includes all of the unmanned aircraft work performed since 1999; and missile, rocket, and telemetry support to the Missile Defense Agency, Space and Missile Defense Command, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and other agencies. The Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility (Department) is a government-owned contractor-operated NASA carrier program providing all operations, R&D, and engineering support for near space activity (120–160K AG