AUVSI Submits Comments on the FAA’s Proposed Rules for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Last Friday, AUVSI submitted comments on the Federal Aviation Administration’s proposed rules for integrating SUAS into the national airspace system. The recommendations encouraged a risk-based, technology-neutral approach to rulemaking. This framework will provide low-risk operations, such as aerial surveys above rural farmland and operations with micro UAS that weigh less than 4.4 pounds, minimal regulatory barriers to the airspace and encourage innovation by allowing industry to meet safety requirements with novel technologies that will make the airspace safer for everyone.



By following AUVSI’s recommendations, the U.S. will keep pace with other nations and begin collecting valuable data for low-risk beyond-line-of-sight flights that will one day expand to include UAS services such as package delivery. AUVSI also recommended the FAA allow nighttime flights, as bright LEDs can make UAS highly visible at night for very safe operations that can assist nighttime firefighting efforts or search and rescue in situations where manned aircraft are unable to operate.



Click here to read AUVSI’s full comments.

AUVSI Speaks at the National Association of State Chief Information Officers

The segment on unmanned aircraft systems focused on the use of civilian unmanned aerial systems or drones in the National Airspace System. The use of UAS in the NAS has recently become a topic of intense interest, with concepts for commercial and law enforcement uses proliferating. Their use in state governments is also growing, as well as legislative debate on the merits. With opportunities and benefits promoted on a daily basis, states must address the data management, security, privacy and safety policy issues related to drone use for which AUVSI has developed recommended guidelines with entities like the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

State Legislative Updates

Colorado

 

Initially, it appeared that HB1115 would die in the Judiciary with opposition from the committee chair. However, the discussion in committee made it clear that there's appetite to "pass something" supporting privacy and the bill passed out of committee 11-2. UAS Colorado remains neutral on the bill, as it is technology agnostic, supports privacy where there's a reasonable expectation of privacy and includes "know and intend" language. Last week, the bill passed out of the House on a vote of 60-3. The measure has made its way to the Senate and on the urging from the Press Association, the Senate wants to amend HB1115 so that it becomes a "private right of action" for civil claims instead of a criminal act.



Florida

 

Despite the tireless work of Grant Begley and the Florida Peninsula and Emerald Coast chapters in educating Florida politicians, SB1178 died in committee last week, due not only to politics but also because there was not a House counterpart.  SB766, with many amendments that were harvested from SB1178, is now clearly the front runner and, based on discussions with Grant Begley, has a 90 percent chance of becoming law. It is highly likely that the House will modify the Senate bill and make some slight modifications. As a result, the House bill will be similar to the Senate bill. According to Grant Begley, SB766 is not over the legislative finish line yet.  Unfortunately, Florida state agriculture, and other Florida agencies are excluded from SB766, by choice of Florida politicians.

 

Minnesota

 

The Minnesota State Senate will be voting on SF 1299, a bill that would ban law enforcement agencies from using UAS without a warrant, except in emergencies, rescue missions and suspected cases of terrorism. The bill would also require local governments to sign off before law enforcement agencies purchase a UAS.

 

Nevada

 

AB239 which was voted favorably out of the Assembly Committee on Judiciary, passed the assembly floor on April 21 by a 42-0 vote. The measure now moves to the Senate where the 40-day clock has begun to count down before a final decision is reached on this matter. AUVSI will be reaching out to its Nevada Chapter, the International Association Chiefs of Police, and the Airborne Law Enforcement Association to provide comments to members of the Senate and the governor’s office.