FAA to Expedite Limited Commercial Operations of UAS


AUVSI Welcomes Move to Advance UAS Integration

During a speech at AUVSI's Unmanned Systems 2014,
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Manager of UAS Integration Jim
Williams today announced that the FAA is working with several industries
to expedite some limited commercial operations of UAS before UAS rules
are finalized. 



"We applaud the FAA for working collaboratively with the industry and
other stakeholders to help UAS technology begin to take off," said AUVSI
President and CEO Michael Toscano. "UAS have a host of societal and
economic benefits, and many industries are clamoring to harness their
capabilities. Limited commercial operations is a good first step, but we
also need to begin the small UAS rulemaking immediately. We look
forward to continue working with the FAA to advance UAS integration
safely and responsibly."



Specifically, Williams said the FAA is expected to allow limited
commercial operations for filmmaking, powerline inspection, precision
agriculture and flare stack inspection. Williams said these industries
approached the FAA for expedited approvals.



“These industries represent the examples of the commercial potential
that we highlighted in our economic report last year. The report found
that in the first decade following integration, the UAS industry will
create more than 100,000 jobs and $82 billion in economic impact.
However, each day that integration is delayed will lead to $27 million
in lost economic impact,” said Toscano. “The FAA should begin utilizing
its authority under Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act
of 2012 to allow for limited commercial operations now.”



Recently, AUVSI and more than 30 organizations called on the FAA to
allow for limited operations immediately under its authority granted by
Congress.