EAA Drone Comments to Emphasize Manned Aircraft Rights

April 14, 2015 - EAA is in the process of developing comments to the FAA’s notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on the operation and certification of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), more commonly referred to as drones. EAA’s goal is to ensure that manned aircraft always have priority over drones in the national airspace system (NAS).

EAA’s top priorities on this issue include: protecting the freedom of navigation for manned aircraft; the safe integration of sUAS into the NAS; protection of airmen’s rights during certificate action as a result of sUAS operation; and reinforcing that no new equipment requirements can be introduced as a consequence of sUAS integration.

EAA is also concerned with the lack of notification requirements for operations in certain areas of Class G airspace, and recommends the installation of systems that will safely terminate a drone flight in the event of a loss of downlink with the operator to prevent uncommanded fly away.

The government advocacy team at EAA will be working hard over the coming days to ensure the comments include the most constructive recommendations possible for the integration of sUAS. Comments to the NPRM are due April 24. EAA encourages members who feel strongly about this subject to submit comments of their own. Read the complete NPRM and learn how to comment.