No Clear Indication As To What Agency Is Responsible For Protecting Consumers From Malfunctioning Drones

The recent recall by GoPro of its Karma drone has raised questions about what agency, if any, is responsible for protecting the public from such malfunctions.

A story published in Consumer Reports indicates that it is not clear what government agency has jurisdiction for enforcing such a recall. Scott Wolfson, a spokesman for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said that "we do not have jurisdiction over drones." And while the FAA regulates how and where drones can be operated, agency spokeswoman Alison Duquette told the publication that the FAA does not certify drones during the manufacturing process. "If a drone manufacturing defect that affects aviation safety were identified, the FAA would first contact the manufacturer to understand the issue and determine the best course of action to address the safety issue," she said.

GoPro spokesman Jeff Brown said that the company contacted both the CPSC and the FAA when they were planning the recall. The CPSC said there was a statutory carve out for aviation, but it would participate if GoPro wished. GoPro declined the offer. The FAA said it supported the company's decision to go ahead with the recall if it thought that was the best course of action, but it would not participate in the recall.

In June, Consumer's Union, which publishes Consumer Reports, identified drones as an "emerging hazard" and urged the CPSC to "not hesitate to get involved even when another agency is [overseeing] a product."

(Image from file)

FMI: http://consumersunion.org