New Appointment to Support Advocacy and Policy for Commercial Drone Industry
The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA), a non-profit organization focused on advancing the commercial uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) industry, has announced Liz Forro as its new Policy Director. Forro brings years of experience in aviation policy and regulation to her new role, where she will collaborate with the CDA’s members, government stakeholders, and other partners to support policies enabling the safe and scalable use of commercial drones.
A Strong Background in Aviation Policy
Liz Forro has over a decade of experience with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), including significant contributions in the UAS Integration Office and the Office of Rulemaking. Her work at the FAA included strategic guidance on drone integration and regulatory issues, along with building connections between FAA leadership, technical experts, and the commercial drone industry.
Her experience extends to Capitol Hill, where she served as an aviation subject matter expert to the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. In this capacity, Forro helped draft and negotiate the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, a critical piece of legislation for the aviation sector.
Lisa Ellman, Executive Director of the CDA, expressed enthusiasm for Forro’s appointment: “It’s an exciting yet pivotal time for the commercial drone industry. While some progress has been made to increase operational capacity, ongoing policy delays continue to hinder technological advancements and domestic manufacturing, ultimately depriving the American public of fully benefiting from the potential of commercial drones—whether it’s fighting wildfires, inspecting critical infrastructure, or delivering aid to remote areas.”
Ellman added that Forro’s expertise will be instrumental in advancing regulations and policies that support safe drone integration into U.S. airspace.
Addressing Regulatory Barriers
The CDA faces challenges in navigating legislative discussions. Among issues including BVLOS flight, Remote ID, and drone delivery, proposed bans on Chinese-manufactured drone technology have dominated the recent legislative landscape. Proponents of the bans argue that such measures will boost the U.S.-based drone industry and foster innovation. However, opponents caution that limiting Chinese-made drones may restrict the industry’s growth, as there are currently few U.S. alternatives in the lower price ranges below $2,000.
Organizations like the CDA have maintained neutrality on the issue, focusing instead on ensuring that any legislation provides sufficient time for users to adapt and safeguard their businesses.
Forro highlighted the importance of collaboration in overcoming these challenges: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Commercial Drone Alliance and supporting its critical work in advancing policies that continue to grow the commercial drone industry and provide the societal benefits Americans deserve. This is an exciting phase in aviation history, and the CDA’s members are at the forefront of this change.”
She emphasized that establishing clear policy frameworks is essential for a safer, more secure, and efficient airspace.
About the Commercial Drone Alliance
The CDA advocates for the commercial drone and advanced air mobility industries, bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, including manufacturing, service providers, and end-users. The organization works with government entities to promote policy changes that foster industry growth while educating the public about the benefits of commercial drones.
For more information about the Commercial Drone Alliance, visit their official website.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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