Anticipates 'Stringent Licensing Requirements' For UAVs

Chicago law firm Antonelli Law has formed an exclusive niche legal practice group to help drone manufacturers and commercial business users navigate the FAA's impending licensing requirements for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Antonelli Law’s Drone Law Practice Group has enlisted the legal and aviation expertise of attorney Kate Fletcher, an experienced commercial pilot with American Airlines, and Mark Del Bianco, a Washington D.C. attorney with substantial experience in federal administrative agency rulemakings, enforcement proceedings, and appeals, to create a unique legal practice to serve clients in the emerging legal landscape of drone law.

Drones—or unmanned aircraft—are an emerging type of technology that allows the observation of locations that are otherwise inaccessible. Privacy concerns, coupled with the possible danger of uncontrolled drones interfering with the national airspace, have brought restrictions against business and commercial use of drones. But with journalists, mapping and law enforcement agencies, and a growing list of business and government agencies yearning to utilize the benefits of drones, the FAA is drafting new proposals for drone regulations in the U.S.

“Because of the technical and regulatory challenges for drone use in the national airspace, we expect the FAA to introduce stringent licensing requirements that are similar to commercial aviation laws for large drones,” Antonelli said. “The combination of Ms. Fletcher's deep knowledge in aviation, Mr. Del Bianco's substantial administrative law experience, and Antonelli Law’s expertise in technology law results in a rare and innovative partnership to serve this niche area of the law.”

When the FAA regulations take effect, manufacturers and distributors will need trusted legal counsel to effectively navigate the complicated legal waters of drone use and development. Antonelli Law’s Drone Law Practice Group encompasses every legal aspect associated with drones, including compliance with FAA regulations, intellectual property protection and litigation, enforcement of supplier contracts, employment law, and zoning issues/ special use permits.
 
The FAA has not disclosed a firm date for the release of the new drone/Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) regulations, but Antonelli Law’s Drone Law Practice Group has already begun proactively developing a growing knowledge base, not only of the law, but emerging technologies associated with unmanned aircraft systems.

“We’re technology and aviation attorneys who understand the ever-changing state of the laws associated with drones,” Antonelli said. “We’re here to help give drone-users and distributors from all over the U.S. the confidence associated with being in compliance with the law.”

FMI: www.antonelli-law.com