The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) has issued a statement regarding new FAA regulations for the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) that became effective Monday.
“As a strong proponent for the safe integration of sUAS, ALPA has worked with the FAA and industry stakeholders to ensure that all new regulations continue to maintain the overall safety of our national airspace," the union said in the statement.
“The recent sUAS regulations that govern commercial operations of small UAS aircraft are missing a key component that would assure a standard level of aeronautical knowledge and training for all pilots operating UAS commercially. Throughout the rulemaking process, ALPA urged the FAA to take a stronger stance to ensure that those who remotely pilot sUAS for commercial purposes are fully trained and are able to demonstrate knowledge via written test and skills via flight test before they are issued a commercial pilot certificate for sUAS, just as pilots of manned aircraft operated for commercial purposes do.
“Another component that would help to strengthen aviation safety would be for Congress to give the FAA the ability to fully regulate the hobbyists and recreational flyers of sUAS. ALPA has been a strong advocate for correcting this legislative condition as it is imperative that the FAA is able to consistently promote the safe operation of unmanned aircraft systems for all airspace users.
“While today’s regulations contain beneficial safety provisions, such as limiting operations to line of sight, no night-time operations, and not exceeding 400 feet in altitude, ALPA believes that more can be done to further advance the safe integration of sUAS for both commercial operators and hobbyists. We remain committed to continuing our work with the FAA and industry stakeholders as we collectively help to advance the unparalleled safety record of U.S. aviation.”
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