Photo: @MRobbinsAUVSI (Twitter)
The US House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has passed the FAA reauthorization package. Securing Growth and Solid Leadership in U.S. Aviation Law (HR 3935), Today it was decided by a vote of 63-0. The law requires the FAA to commit to schedules for behind-the-scenes rulemaking, UTM, and drone integration.
The bill would provide the FAA with funding for the next five years. His current license expires in September 2023. This package addresses all aspects of FAA authority, Title VI – Aerospace Innovation, Articles 601 to 687working on unmanned aerial systems and advanced air mobility.
BVLOS Rulemaking Timeline
One of the notable aspects of the law concerns rulemaking for the operation of drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS.). The Non-Line of Sight Aviation Rulemaking Board issued his recommendation in March 2022, but there is no subsequent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The law would require the FAA to proceed with the rulemaking process according to a specific schedule.
(a) Generally, within four months of the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Aviation Administration administrator will issue a notice of proposed rulemaking establishing airworthiness and operational regulations for unmanned aerial systems operating beyond visual line of sight. shall be It is primarily intended to operate below 400 feet above the ground.
….(f) Interim Approval — Prior to the date on which the Administrator issues a final rule under this section, the shall approve. It takes place outside of sight.
(g) Final Rule.-Within sixteen months from the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a final rule establishing the regulations required under this section.
This could mean that the BVLOS NPRM will be issued early next year, but the timeline depends on agreement between the House and Senate and whether the comprehensive package is passed in a timely manner. The current reauthorization package passed in 2018 is an interim extension for several years.
Support from the drone industry
on behalf of Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)Chief Advocacy Officer Michael Robbins issued the following statement in support of the bill:
“The world is entering an exciting new era of aviation, but U.S. companies need more support and regulatory clarity to realize the benefits of advanced aviation, drones and advanced air mobility (AAM). .
This bill would be a meaningful step forward in making the United States more competitive globally by safely integrating drones and AAMs into the airspace, increasing the domestic workforce, and supporting innovation and manufacturing.
AUVSI applauds the bipartisan leadership of Chairman Sam Graves, Ranking Member Rick Larsen, Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Garrett Graves, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Steve Cohen. We urge all members of the House of Representatives to pass this bill swiftly to enhance the safety of all users of our national airspace system. ”
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Miriam McNabb, editor-in-chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of professional drone services marketplace JobForDrones, is a keen observer of the emerging drone industry and drone regulatory environment. Miriam is an international speaker and industry recognized figure, with his 3,000+ articles focused on the commercial drone space. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and he has over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, email Miriam.
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