Definition
An unmanned aircraft system (UAS) is the unmanned aircraft together with all of the associated support equipment, control station, data links, telemetry, communications, and navigation equipment necessary to operate it. The aircraft itself is flown with no pilot on board; it is controlled remotely by a pilot at a ground control station or operates autonomously under a pre-programmed flight plan.
Plain English
A UAS is the whole package needed to fly an aircraft without anyone on board — the aircraft, the remote control station, and the radio links between them. The drone is just one part of it.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA rules, airport and airspace discussions, drone operations, traffic advisories, and flight planning information.
Derivation
Unmanned means no human is aboard. The word system is used deliberately rather than just aircraft because flying one safely requires more than the airframe — it includes the ground station, the operator, and the data link that ties them together. Calling it a system reminds everyone that all those pieces have to work for the operation to be legal and safe.
Why Pilots Care
Understanding UAS helps manned aircraft pilots maintain separation in shared airspace and comply with regulations regarding drone activity.
Intuition Check
Do not read UAS as just “the drone.” In FAA use, UAS means the aircraft plus the equipment and links needed to control it.
Example Sentence 1
The NOTAM warned of UAS operations within a two-mile radius of the bridge below 400 feet.
Example Sentence 2
UAS operations require prior authorization in Class B airspace.