While some may think a pilot-less business jet is a preposterous concept, Gulfstream Aerospace thought theirs was a viable proposition.

The major drawback in mixing UAVs with conventional aircraft today is the former’s questionable ability to see and avoid conflicting traffic, unionized air traffic controllers maintain.

Here are FAA headquarters’ answers to questions posed on UAV operation. 1. BCA: The deployment of civil UAVs in the NAS — when and where? FAA: Currently, there are 60 unmanned aircraft systems representing 17 aircraft types operating in the NAS under Special Airworthiness Certificate — Experimental Category. With current rulemaking under way, we are expecting small (less than 55 pounds) UAS(s) to operate starting early in 2013 under day, visual flight conditions.