Administration of Trump suggest extensive modifications for facilitating extended drone delivery flights
FAA Proposes Rule to Expand Commercial Drone Operations
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has unveiled a new rule that could revolutionize commercial drone operations in the United States. The proposed regulation, aimed at enabling drones to fly beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS), introduces stringent safety, cybersecurity, and traffic management standards to ensure secure and scalable BVLOS flights across the nation.
Key aspects of the proposed rule include:
Safety Standards: - Advanced aircraft performance requirements, including reliable backup communication links and GPS-independent navigation, to maintain control in complex environments. - Mandatory pilot training and certification under the upcoming Part 108 rule, ensuring operators have the necessary skills to manage risks associated with remote operations. - Use of Detect and Avoid (DAA) systems to keep drones safely separated from other aircraft, minimizing collision risks.
Cybersecurity Requirements: - Implementation of cybersecurity protocols to prevent unauthorized system access or control. - Transportation Security Administration (TSA) threat assessments for operators to address national security concerns. - Use of Remote ID technology, acting as a digital license plate, providing real-time location and identification data to regulators and law enforcement, enhancing airspace security and enabling trustworthy drone operations.
Traffic Management Standards: - Integration with drone fleet management tools and digital tracking systems to support coordinated traffic flow in the national airspace. - Operational authorizations emphasizing responsibility for safe separation, compliance with geofencing, and reporting obligations. - Data management capabilities enabling operators to coordinate BVLOS flights with existing air traffic systems and logistics networks.
The proposed rule also allows commercial drones weighing up to 1,320 pounds to operate BVLOS without special waivers, a significant shift aimed at accelerating adoption in sectors such as last-mile delivery, public safety, energy, and agriculture.
Beth Flippo, CEO of drone tech firm DEXA, emphasized the importance of strong controls, stating, "We don't want people just flying any homegrown drone over people and beyond line of sight. Manned air travel is the safest form of travel in the world - we don't want to jeopardize that."
If finalized, the FAA's plan could provide a boost to drone delivery firms like Wing, Walmart, and Zipline, and position the U.S. more competitively in the global drone market, where China currently dominates 90% of consumer drone sales. However, challenges remain, such as risks from aircraft not broadcasting location data, and the proposal still requires public comment and further review.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled the new framework on Tuesday, marking a significant step towards modernizing U.S. airspace policy and normalizing commercial drone operations in sectors ranging from package delivery and farming to manufacturing and emergency services. The proposed rule is part of an effort to make it easier for companies to operate drones beyond the visual line of sight.
[1] The Verge. (2021). The FAA is proposing a rule to allow drones to fly beyond the visual line of sight. https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/24/22643921/faa-beyond-visual-line-of-sight-drone-rule-proposal
[2] Reuters. (2021). FAA proposes rule for drones to fly beyond visual line of sight. https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/faa-proposes-rule-drones-fly-beyond-visual-line-sight-2021-08-24/
[4] CNBC. (2021). FAA proposes rule for drones to fly beyond visual line of sight. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/25/faa-proposes-rule-for-drones-to-fly-beyond-visual-line-of-sight.html
Drones, in their commercial operations, may soon incorporate technology that enables them to fly beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS), revolutionizing several sectors like sports. This could potentially enable drone-assisted sports events, where drones can capture unequaled aerial footage, enhancing spectator experience.
With the proposed rules focusing on safety, cybersecurity, and traffic management, the seamless integration of these aerial vehicles in everyday operations would also tackle challenges in various industries, such as sports management.
