New Task Force to Develop Recommendations By November 20, Some May Be Exempt

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta have announced the creation of a task force to develop recommendations for a registration process for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

The task force will be composed of 25 to 30 diverse representatives from the UAS and manned aviation industries, the federal government, and other stakeholders. The group will advise the Department on which aircraft should be exempt from registration due to a low safety risk, including toys and certain other small UAS. The task force also will explore options for a streamlined system that would make registration less burdensome for commercial UAS operators.

The task force may make additional safety recommendations as it deems appropriate. Secretary Foxx directed the group to deliver its report by Nov. 20.

“Registering unmanned aircraft will help build a culture of accountability and responsibility, especially with new users who have no experience operating in the U.S. aviation system,” Foxx said. “It will help protect public safety in the air and on the ground.”

In a news release, the DOT said that every day, the FAA receives reports of potentially unsafe UAS operations. Pilot sightings of UAS doubled between 2014 and 2015. The reports ranged from incidents at major sporting events and flights near manned aircraft, to interference with wildfire operations.

“These reports signal a troubling trend,” Huerta said. “Registration will help make sure that operators know the rules and remain accountable to the public for flying their unmanned aircraft responsibly. When they don’t fly safely, they’ll know there will be consequences.”

While the task force does its work, the FAA will continue its aggressive education and outreach efforts, including the “Know Before You Fly” campaign and “No Drone Zone” initiatives with the nation’s busiest airports. The agency also will continue to take strong enforcement action against egregious violators. At the same time, it will continue working with stakeholders to improve safety to ensure further integration and innovation in this promising segment of aviation.

Foxx said that he would expect a retroactive registration for those who already own UAVs. He said the DOT is not requiring licenses for hobbyists, but it will exercise registration authority for all aircraft.

“AMA looks forward to working with government and private sector stakeholders on a process for UAS registration," said Dave Mathewson, executive director of the Academy of Model Aeronautics in a statement. "The term UAS has been applied to a broad range of platforms from toys with limited capabilities to large, sophisticated systems that weigh hundreds of pounds. Registration of UAS that meet an appropriate threshold of weight, capability and other safety-related characteristics makes sense, but it should not become a prohibitive burden for recreational users who fly for fun and educational purposes and who have operated harmoniously within our communities for decades.
 
“The Academy has long used a similar system with its more than 180,000 members. AMA’s safety program instructs all members to place his or her AMA number or name and address on or within their model aircraft, ensuring operator accountability and promoting safety within the model aviation community. AMA’s nearly eighty years of experience demonstrates that a voluntary, community-based approach is the best and most effective way to manage recreational flyers.
 
“At the same time, education is essential for promoting safety to the legions of new flyers taking to the skies. That’s why AMA has been working closely with the FAA and the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) on the Know Before You Fly campaign. Education programs like these will help ensure the safety of our airspace for all.”

(Image from DOT news conference video)

FMI:  www.dot.gov