The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA) has officially called on the Trump administration to expedite the deregulation process for commercial drones, particularly focusing on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. This request aims to catalyze the adoption of commercial drones, fortify the position of domestic manufacturers, and bolster national security.
In a letter addressed to Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the CDA emphasized the critical nature of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) proposed BVLOS rule. This rule is viewed as a cornerstone for providing the necessary regulatory clarity to propel the commercial drone sector forward.
“The time is ripe for President Trump to build on the successes of his first term and remove the bureaucratic red tape inhibiting drone technology in America,” stated Lisa Ellman, Executive Director of the CDA. “The BVLOS rule will unleash growth by enabling drones to operate under a right-sized regulatory framework rather than relying on exemptions and waivers from existing regulations designed for legacy aircraft.”
The advocacy aligns with Executive Order 14192, titled ‘Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation,’ which aims to mitigate administrative burdens and drive economic growth, echoing the administration’s commitment to trim down unnecessary federal regulations. The proposed BVLOS rule is expected to reduce barriers, thereby enabling large-scale drone operations that promise extensive economic benefits and enhancements in national security.
From the letter:
Based on industry recommendations, the FAA drafted a BVLOS rule intended to safely enable the American drone industry to succeed while enhancing transparency in the airspace. Congress, with bipartisan support, required publication of this draft rule by September 20243, but the previous Administration did not accomplish what Congress directed. This delay comes at the expense of U.S. competitiveness, as industry continues to be held back by convoluted bureaucratic processes that constrain safety enhancing technologies. The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Government Accountability Office have both criticized the FAA’s lack of progress in streamlining drone regulation, describing the stagnation as “concerning” and highlighting how the FAA still lacks a comprehensive strategy to integrate drones into the National Airspace System more than a decade after Congress mandated the FAA to develop one.
Background checks reveal that policy development often trails behind technological innovation, leading to a regulatory environment that can dampen competitiveness on the global stage. With the UAS Integration Pilot Program initiated during President Trump’s first term, substantial progress was made in integrating drone technologies into national airspace. However, the journey towards a fully integrated drone regulatory framework remains incomplete.
The Commercial Drone Alliance has been at the forefront, engaging with various government levels to shape policies conducive to the growth of the drone industry. Their efforts are aimed at making the use of commercial drones both economically beneficial and safe.
For more details on the efforts and initiatives of the Commercial Drone Alliance, visit their website.
The CDA’s letter not only underscores the urgency of adopting the BVLOS rule but also highlights the broader implications such a move would have on American industry and national security. The drone industry has been waiting a long time for progress – it’s past time for action.
Want DRONELIFE news delivered to your inbox every weekday? Sign up here.
Read more:
