Exciting developments are on the horizon for the drone industry, as highlighted in a recent article from Technology Review. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is gearing up for a major decision that could significantly change the way drones operate in the United States. By September 16, the FAA is expected to release a crucial Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that could reshape drone regulations nationwide.
For years, the FAA’s strict rules have limited the use of drones, making it challenging for companies and organizations to deploy them for various purposes like package delivery and public safety. However, recent changes indicate a shift in the FAA’s approach. The agency has started granting waivers that allow companies like Amazon to fly drones beyond the visual line of sight in specific areas, and similar permissions have been extended to police departments. These moves suggest that the FAA is becoming more accommodating to the growing use of drones.
The upcoming NPRM represents a significant step forward. Instead of issuing one-off waivers, the FAA will propose a new rule that could make it easier for all drone operators to fly their drones beyond the visual line of sight from their pilots. This means drones could be used more widely and effectively, with fewer restrictions. The proposed rule aims to address safety concerns, such as preventing drones from colliding with each other or causing accidents, while also expanding the possibilities for drone applications.
This change could have far-reaching effects. For instance, search and rescue teams could deploy drones more effectively to find missing persons in remote areas without needing special permissions. Delivery services might see increased efficiency with fewer restrictions on where drones can fly. Additionally, surveillance operations could become more prevalent as drones are allowed to operate over larger distances. However, there are concerns about privacy and safety as more drones take to the skies, which will need to be managed carefully.
The FAA has been working on this rule since 2018, but it has not yet been finalized. The September 16 deadline, set by the latest FAA Reauthorization Act, is a key milestone. Once the NPRM is released, the FAA will have 16 months to finalize the rule based on feedback from various stakeholders.
The committee working on this rule includes 87 organizations, ranging from major commercial operators like Amazon and FedEx to drone manufacturers such as Skydio and tech companies like Airbus and T-Mobile. Privacy advocates, including groups like the American Civil Liberties Union, and academic experts are also involved in the process, ensuring a broad range of perspectives is considered.
To dive deeper into the implications of this upcoming rule and what it could mean for the future of drone operations, read the full article from Technology Review here: Why You’re About to See a Lot More Drones in the Sky.
