Recently, the Georgia Building Authority passed a new resolution which bans "unmanned aircraft systems" within five miles of a heliport located atop a parking garage near the state Capitol building in downtown Atlanta. This new resolution has a radius that covers parts of two state university campuses, including Georgia Tech's Research Institute where unmanned systems research is a central focus.



The Building Authority’s Board chaired by Gov. Nathan Deal unanimously passed a resolution that completely bans “unmanned aircraft systems” over, in, and around the grounds of the state Capitol as well as the grounds of the governor’s mansion. Specifically, the resolution prohibits operations within 5 miles of the “capitol hill heliport.” Additionally, no exceptions were made for hobbyists, law enforcement, public safety, or research flights.

 

To the best of our knowledge, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates the airspace and despite the Building Authority’s best intentions, it cannot give itself the authority to regulate any portion of the national airspace system (NAS). AUVSI views this resolution as far-reaching with the potential to stifle UAS technology and innovation and the many societal and economic benefits of UAS technology.

 

AUVSI is working with the AUVSI Atlanta chapter to write a letter of opposition to Gov. Deal and the Georgia Building Authority.