Would Include A Building Where UAV Research Is Being Conducted

The Georgia Building Authority recently passed a resolution that bans the use of "unmanned aircraft systems" within five miles of a heliport that is located on the roof of a parking garage near the state Capitol building in downtown Atlanta. 

The resolution completely bans UAVs "over, in, and around the grounds of the state Capitol as well as the grounds of the governor’s mansion," according to a report posted to the AUVSI website. The resolution prohibits operations within 5 miles of the “capitol hill heliport,” and no exceptions were made for hobbyists, law enforcement, public safety, or research flights.

That last is a bit problematic, as the radius encompasses parts of two state university campuses, including Georgia Tech's Research Institute where unmanned systems research is a central focus.

The Building Authority Board is chaired by Georgia Governor Nathan Deal (R). AUVSI is working through its Atlanta chapter to write a letter of opposition to Governor Deal. The association has taken the position that the FAA controls the airspace, and as much as it might want to, the Building Authority cannot create its own airspace rules. "AUVSI views this resolution as far-reaching with the potential to stifle UAS technology and innovation and the many societal and economic benefits of UAS technology," the organization said.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.auvsi.org