Plans To Introduce Amendment To FAA Reauthorization That Would Require Geo-Fencing Software On All UAVs

U.S. Senator Charles D. (Chuck) Schumer (D-NY) says he plans to introduce an amendment to the FAA reauthorization bill to require manufacturers to implement geo-fencing technology or other similar solutions on all drones in order to prevent them from flying in to “No Fly Drone Zones,” like airports, the Pentagon, major parades, large sporting events—such as the U.S. Open---and more.

Geo-fencing or other similar technology, which Schumer has backed for some time, limits where unauthorized UAVs can fly through the installation of built-in software, firmware and GPS tracking in the device. Schumer (pictured) said in a news release that the technology "helps take human error out of the equation." Manufacturers are already experimenting with placing this type of technology in their drones, however, Schumer said that all manufacturers should be required to take all reasonable steps to implement the software right away and that’s why he will be proposing this amendment in the upcoming FAA Reauthorization bill.

Schumer said that, according to reports, there have been several possible drone sightings by pilots this summer that involved both JFK and Newark airports; the drones were allegedly at an altitude of 2,000-3,000 feet. In addition, the FAA recently reported pilot sightings of unmanned aircraft have increased over the past year from a total of 238 in 2014 to more than 650 by August 9th 2015.

In addition, just last week, unauthorized UAVs were reported over the West Indian Day Parade and earlier this month a drone crashed into the stands of Louis Armstrong Stadium during a U.S. Open match. According to reports, no one was hurt, however, the operator was arrested on charges of reckless endangerment, reckless operation of a drone and operating a drone in a New York City public park.

In February the FAA released its draft rule on drones. But Schumer said that it does not go far enough because it does not require the use of geo-fencing technology to virtually eliminate the chance of a drone causing a disaster and limiting where it can fly. Schumer said he would propose his amendment as part of the FAA Reauthorization that must move through Congress this fall.

Schumer explained that he had hoped a geo-fencing requirement would be included in the reauthorization bill but with recent reports that Congress will simply extend current FAA policy through at least 2016, an amendment to that extension could be the only way to implement such a requirement this year. If language like Schumer is proposing is not included in the upcoming bill, he says, legislative action on geo-technology could be stalled until at least 2016. Schumer said that this issue is "far too important to wait and Congress should act now regardless of whether or not they do a full FAA reauthorization or just an extension of current policy."

Specifically, the amendment would require that all drones sold or operated in the United States have a means of preventing unauthorized operations within an unsafe distance from an airport or protected airspace through geo-fencing technology or other similar technological means; have a means of limiting altitude, through geo-fencing or other similar technological means; require that all drone manufactures make a concerted effort to make the altitude and airspace limiting (geo-fencing) technology tamper proof so that the system cannot be easily overridden and; include punitive measures on top of existing federal law, (this would include fines and drone confiscation, increased penalties for repeat violations) for anyone who knowingly flies too high, too close to an airport or other restricted airspace, or who attempts to tamper with or override the altitude or airspace limiting technology or the identification number.

It would also prohibit anyone who has knowingly flown too high, too close to an airport or other restricted airspace, or who has attempted to tamper with or override the altitude or airspace limiting technology or the identification number from ever being able to utilize a drone again, and require the FAA in consultation with other appropriate agencies to begin public education campaigns aimed at promoting safe drone usage.

Finally, the amendment would give the FAA additional authority to institute other drone regulations and requirements as needed to promote and protect public safety.

“There needs to be a clear strategy to address the public safety dilemma of reckless drone use because a future drone crash could spell real trouble. That’s why I am unveiling brand new federal language in Congress that would virtually eliminate any chance of drones crashing into planes and causing serious danger,” Schumer said. “Requiring geo-fencing technology will effectively fence off drones from sensitive areas like airports, the Pentagon and major sporting events like the US Open and more. If geo-fencing technology were mandated in every drone sold in America, it would go a long way toward preventing the kinds of near-misses that have occurred over the past few months, and still allow hobbyists to fly drones in safe places.”

(Images from file)

FMI: www.schumer.senate.gov