Would 'Codify And Expand' FAA's Existing Moratorium On Private UAVs

Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA) says she plans to introduce a bill to "significantly strengthen drone safety laws to protect U.S. airline passengers and U.S. airspace." She also called on the FAA to increase enforcement of existing laws.

Feinstein announced her intent to introduce legislation in a letter sent this week to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. In the letter, she reiterated her broad concern over drone safety and urged increased enforcement.

“I recognize the proliferation of highly-capable, inexpensive drones operated by untrained individuals is a new challenge to your mission,” Feinstein wrote. “But the FAA is responsible for the safety of the airspace, and it must aggressively confront this challenge now, before an airliner is brought down.”

Feinstein’s legislation would expand and codify the existing moratorium to private drone use that threatens the airspace. It would also impose felony penalties on dangerous drone operators and require a safety certification before private drone use can be expanded.

This more recent letter builds on a July letter Feinstein sent FAA expressing her concern over the issue.

Four months after receipt of that letter, the FAA responded to Feinstein last week with data indicating there were more than 190 drone safety incidents reported in the last nine months, including more than two dozen near mid-air collisions. Feinstein said the data corroborated her concerns and was widely covered by the media.

FMI: www.feinstein.senate.gov