Duffy proposes new line of sight regulations for commercial drones
Share this @internewscast.com


() The United States could soon ease its rules for flying commercial drones beyond an operator’s direct line of sight, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed Tuesday at a press briefing.

The 731-page proposed regulation would eliminate the current case-by-case, waiver-based process needed to fly a drone Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS).

The shift could “unleash American drone dominance” and have wide-reaching affects on the manufacturing, farming, energy production, filmmaking, delivery and medical industries, Duffy said. Remotely piloted drones could travel over longer distances to deliver packages, inspect infrastructure and assist in multi-acre farming tasks.

“Industry needs this rule to make sure they can use this technology that’s going to allow them to do business more efficiently and effectively,” he said.

Aircraft would fly at or below 400 feet above ground level, and some could weigh up to 1,320 lbs.

Detection technology would prevent drones from interfering with “operations and traffic patterns at airports, heliports, seaplane bases, space launch” and more sites, the proposal’s fact cheek says.

Both recreational pilots and commercial operators are currently required to keep their drones within either the pilot’s or a visual observer’s unaided line of sight, per FAA guidance.

The proposed rule would scrap that. Industry leaders have 60 days for comment before it is put into effect.

“Today we have drones in operation in our skies. It’s not as regulated perhaps as it should be. It’s done on an ad hoc basis, which makes it very, very difficult to manage, and  it makes for an uneven playing field as well which is frankly a headwind,” FAA Administrator Brian Bedford said. 

The FAA and DOT will partner with TSA to ensure that operations supervisors and flight coordinators are properly vetted, Duffy said.

In March, Duffy said the Federal Aviation Administration planned to propose rules in a “relatively short” timeframe that would expand the use of drones for services including deliveries, Reuters reported.

“We’re in the stages of developing a rule to make sure we can give more authority and clarity to those who are developing these drones,” Duffy told reporters while on a tour of the Amazon Prime Air drone headquarters.

Multiple federal and state agencies have increased their use of drones in recent months, with police departments deploying drones to assist with calls and U.S. Customs and Border Protection placing surveillance blimps alongside the Texas-Mexico border.

“Drones are happening. Bad actors can use drones in a bad way … the government is focused on getting technology right and security right,” Bedford said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Griffith Advocates Against Bristol’s Redistricting Referendum

On Tuesday morning, in Bristol, Virginia, Congressman Morgan Griffith was present to…

Two Individuals Charged with Cemetery Vandalism in Carter County

CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Authorities have charged two individuals in connection…

Federal Judge Overturns Key Trump-Era Policies Hindering Clean Energy Progress

WASHINGTON – In a significant legal development, a federal judge in Massachusetts…

Bristol, VA Leaders Speak Out: Impactful Reactions to Redistricting Vote Unveiled

In a decisive turn of events, Virginia voters have given a nod…

Senate Hearings Spotlight Cassidy’s Balancing Act Between Trump Allegiance and Scientific Integrity

On Wednesday, Bill Cassidy will find his roles as a legislator, physician,…

UK Inflation Soars in March: Fuel Prices Surge Amid Iran Conflict Impact

LONDON – In March, the United Kingdom experienced a rise in inflation,…

Florida Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Faces Potential Sanctions from Lawmakers

WASHINGTON – Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida finds herself at a…

Florida Man Arrested in Disturbing Teen Trafficking Case, Described as ‘The Gates of Hell’ by Sheriff

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – A Melbourne resident is set to face incarceration…

Teotihuacan Pyramids Temporarily Closed Following Shooting Incident

MEXICO CITY – The renowned Teotihuacan pyramids in Mexico were shut down…