Ten aviation advocacy groups submitted a letter to U.S. senators this week, asking them to oppose any changes in the FAA Reauthorization Act that would allow local and state governments to create their own rules about drones. Allowing that kind of “patchwork” of laws could “erode, rather than enhance, air safety,” the letter says. It also has a “strong potential to create confusion and compliance burdens.” Only the FAA should regulate airspace, the groups say. U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, of California, has proposed an amendment to the act that would allow states to set their own rules, “to address the growing problem of reckless drone use.”
“Reckless drone use varies significantly in different states and even within a state, which is why we need to maintain the ability for states to set their own standards of drone operation,” said Senator Feinstein. “One in five incidents of reckless drone use nationwide has occurred in California, and densely populated areas with critical infrastructure like Los Angeles and San Francisco need flexibility to enact rules that address their unique challenges.” An analysis by the senator’s staff showed that more 40 percent of drone safety-related incidents occurred in just three states: California, New York and Florida.
Senator Feinstein’s amendment is supported by the National Association of State Aviation Officials. Joining AOPA in opposition are the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, Aerospace Industries Association, Cherokee Nation Technologies, Consumer Technology Association, DJI, Drone Manufacturers Alliance, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, National Business Aviation Association and Small UAV Coalition.
