Wrote DOT & FAA Urging Drone Use in COVID-19 Response

In a letter to DOT Secretary Elaine Chao and FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson, Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) have called on the DOT and FAA to pursue pathways for the expedited use of drones to address key gaps in the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response efforts.

Specifically, the Senators highlight the need to promote access to key health care essentials for constituents that do not have direct access to needed medications, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other essential supplies by way of an accelerated pathway toward expanded beyond visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations. They note that these proposed flexibilities will allow first responders, public health agencies, and retailers need to deliver these necessities in a timely and safe manner during the pandemic.

"As we look to strengthen our ability to respond to the continued challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as future emergencies, we know that drones can be a vital tool in our toolbox that can be leveraged to meet the needs of our society," the letter states.

"With your leadership, the U.S. can emerge from COVID-19 relief efforts with a deeper understanding of how to harness UAS by providing real-time assistance to the people in our states hardest hit by its effects."

FMI: www.transportation.gov