Egozi (2012) points out that Israeli ground crew systems in ATC and related to UAS operations are working together to create mutually beneficial solutions. Therefore, the FAA needs to take the cue from emerging technology sectors that can help guide the way to regulations related to integrating both hardware and software systems on the ground for both unmanned and manned vehicles. As the Joint Planning and Development Office (2011) points out, there has yet to emerge a standard interface design for use in any category or type of vehicle, let alone between ATC and UAS operators and pilots. This must change if UAS are to become not just more prolific but also safer and more integrated into mixed-use aircraft facilities. The Joint Planning and Development Office (2011) also suggests that there may be, especially in larger airports, a separate ground control and ATC area for unmanned aircraft. However, it is far more reasonable to assume that ATC should be unified. Communications links need to be under the same umbrella, the same staff, and the same physical rubric. Thus, the suggestion that "multi-UAS control by a single control station with the role of the UAS pilot moving toward that of a controller" is a sound one but one that must be considered in light of human resources available (Joint Planning and Development Office, 2011). Second, the FAA regulations need to change regarding communications and situational awareness. This will be embedded into safety regulations and guidelines for pilot registration and licensing. Ground crew related to taxi operations also needs to be trained regarding the special parameters of guiding unmanned aircraft into hangars or bays. These situational issues will entail knowledge of which craft are at each airport,...

Assured predictable behavior on the part of the UAS will be regulated as well (Joint Planning and Development Office, 2011).
Finally, the FAA and ATC administration needs to consider the human resources changes that will ensue. There may be the need for whole new categories of ground crew dedicated to the maintenance and taxi operations of UAS. There may also be the need for ATC specialists in communication links between pilots who are on the ground for UAS and pilots in the cockpits of landed aircraft.

References

Davis, K. (n.d.). Unmanned Aircraft Operations in the National Airspace System. Retrieved online: http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/uas/reg/media/frnotice_uas.pdf

Egozi, a. (2012). A small step for UAVs, a giant step for ATC. Flight Global. Retrieved online: http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/ariel-view/2012/11/small-step-for-uavs-a-giant-step-for-air-traffic-control.html

Joint Planning and Development Office (2011). Operating unmanned aircraft systems in 2018 and beyond: NextGen Challenges and Opportunities. Retrieved online: http://www.jpdo.gov/newsarticle.asp?id=146

NextGen (2013). NextGen for Airports. Retrieved online: http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/qanda/airports/

Sheridan, J. (2012). Planned ATC consolidation will leave some towers unmanned. AIN Online. Retrieved online: http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2012-08-02/planned-atc-consolidation-will-leave-some-towers-unmanned

Taylor, N. (2005). The challenge of integrating UAVs into mixed user airspace. RUSI. Retrieved online: http://www.rusi.org/downloads/assets/24Taylor.pdf