How DOT Delays Hinder Drone Innovation and Security

Small drones are a popular technology for millions of Americans and thousands of businesses and are used for commercial purposes such as surveying, security, safety, inspection, and movie-making, as well as recreational uses.

Over the last decade, Congress and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have sought to ensure drones can be used for their full potential while being flown safely to protect other users of the national airspace and people and property on the ground.

However, despite Congressional directives, the FAA and DOT have lagged to craft regulations that would enable innovative drone operations and safeguard the American public.

What does the FAA need to do?

Congress directed the FAA to pursue two rules to enable the safe and secure integration of drones into the national airspace.

• Enabling Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations:  Current FAA rules restrict the ability for commercial drones to be flown beyond the sight of the drone operator. Rules enabling these operations would allow businesses to safely use drones for innovative solutions such as on-demand delivery, efficiently and safely inspecting critical infrastructure, and quickly assessing damage after a natural disaster.

• Protecting Sensitive Private Sector Sites:  Drones cannot be flown around airports, sensitive government facilities, wildfire response operations, and in other contexts. But, there is no comprehensive system to establish no-fly zones around sensitive private sector sites such as power plants, pipelines, or chemical facilities, putting those sites at risk for industrial espionage, criminal activities, and safety incidents by careless drone operators.

Where does the Chamber stand?

The Chamber strongly supports the intent of these Congressionally mandated rulemakings. Drone innovation and security are two sides of the same coin.

Enabling BVLOS operations unlocks new business models, increases productivity, enhances safety, and lowers costs for consumers. Industries from across more than a dozen sectors have urged the DOT to issue a rule on BVLOS operations. Also, establishing new fly zones around sensitive private sector facilities bolsters the safety and security of those sites. The Chamber and other leading industry stakeholders in the chemical, energy, and entertainment sectors have advocated for the DOT to issue such a rule.

What is the current state of play?

Last May, Congress enacted the FAA Reauthorization Act, directing the FAA to issue proposed rules on both topics by August and September, respectively. The FAA has failed to meet its legally required mandates on both rulemakings and the timelines remain uncertain.

It is time for the FAA and DOT to move forward and ensure safe and innovative skies.

About the authors

Matt Furlow

Matt is the Senior Director and Policy Counsel for the Chamber's Center for Technology Engagement Center.