Appendix B: Statement of DOD principles for news media coverage of DOD operations

Abstract

In Emerging Issues in Airport Operations, Safety, and Emergency Management, the future of Airport Operations, safety, and emergency management is shown to evolve in ways that will support new advents, such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commercialized aerospace systems, and innovative methods in airport emergency/incident management. UAVs have deployed throughout the US airspace system at rates faster than government can effectively regulate. Challenges include small UAVs operating near airports, by individuals who perhaps do not understand or abide by the regulations on such operations; and large UAVs that can present greater operational and safety challenges to airports and aircraft. Alternatively, UAVs also represent a significant potential source of revenue for airports. In addition to the adoption of UAVs, advancing technology and the cessation of the US Space Shuttle have opened new opportunities for the private commercial space industry operating at commercial airports. Several US airports have been designated or are seeking status as FAA-certified spaceports (see included case study of Front Range Airport, Denver, Colorado). There have been several flight tests of spacecraft designed to eventually take space tourists on suborbital flights. Commercial launch missions have been successful at servicing the International Space Station. Parallel to these innovations, it is vital that operational personnel and emergency Incident Commanders improve their understanding of psychological dynamics during high-risk/high-stress operations. Continuous improvement and delivery of training and exercises for operational personnel and emergency responders are now an absolute requirement in all areas of the aviation and aerospace industries.