Seeks Ideas For Obtaining Funding From UAV Users

In a memo dated March 7, 2017, the FAA asks its Drone Advisory Committee (DAC) - Task Group 3 to explore ways to increase funding for the integration of UAVs into the National Airspace.

"The FAA would welcome consideration of a broad array of options, including industry assuming a lead role for certain aspects, or public-private partnerships between government and industry," the memo, written by Victoria B. Wassmer, Deputy Administrator and Chief NextGen Officer and DAC Designated Federal Official, states.

The agency says in the memo that the UAS sector is growing, which has placed increasing demands on FAA staffing and resources. "It is important to note that this work will be added on to the FAA's already constrained budget." Integrating UAVs into the NAS will require "additional resources to support new and ongoing activities."

The FAA asks the Task Group to "develop recommendations as to the UAS community's preferred method(s) for funding Federal activities and services required to support UAS operations for the next two years and beyond," the memo states.

Wassmer indicates that a report should be submitted to the DAC not later than June 30, 2017.

FMI: Memo