Supports FAA Investigation And Underscores Need For Remote Identification And Tracking Requirements

The FAA is still investigating a video that appears to show a drone flying over the top of a Frontier Airlines jet on approach to McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, and the drone community is working hard to protect its reputation from what seems to be a very reckless operator.

The most recent to weigh in is the Small UAV Coalition, which released a statement condemning the recent illegal and irresponsible operation of a drone near an aircraft arriving in Las Vegas. "This reckless behavior, and that of anyone who endangers an aircraft by any means, should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and the Coalition supports the FAA’s ongoing investigation to identify the individual responsible," the organization said.

"The incident underscores the fact that anonymous UAS operation is unacceptable and the urgent need for the FAA move forward with a remote identification and tracking rulemaking that applies to all drone operators who are also required to register with the FAA.

"The Coalition called on the FAA to immediately move forward with a rulemaking in a recent letter to Acting Administrator Elwell and stands ready to assist," the statement concluded.

In that letter, the Small UAV Coalition says that it urges the FAA to move forward with a rulemaking that requires all UAS operators who are required to register with the FAA to abide by remote identification and tracking requirements.

"Remote identification and tracking requirements are not simply a prerequisite to enabling the FAA to move forward with rulemakings to allow operations over people, beyond the visual line of sight, and other expanded operations, but also a solution to safety, security, and privacy concerns. The Coalition believes these concerns will not be fully addressed – nor will the law enforcement be satisfied– if a large segment of UAS operations is exempt from a remote identification and tracking requirement. The Coalition supports the same 250 gram threshold the FAA chose for its registration requirement, the first step the FAA took towards ensuring accountability," the letter states.

"There are difficult choices to be made with respect to the technological solutions identified in the Final Report, data requirements, data collection and storage, and how best to ensure effective implementation throughout the diverse universe of UAS operators. Because identification and tracking technology continues to evolve, the proposed rule should be based on performance standards; this will enable industry to innovate and improve identification and tracking solutions over time. The notice-and-comment process will provide the opportunity to resolve these important issues and any necessary standards could and should be developed in parallel."

AUVSI also released a statement from president and CEO Brian Winne about the incident. “All UAS operators need to understand their aircraft, stay well-clear of manned aircraft and adhere to the law," Wynn said. "AUVSI supports strict enforcement against careless and reckless operators who endanger the safety of the airspace and violate the law. AUVSI is committed to the safe and responsible use of UAS and co-founded the Know Before You Fly campaign with the FAA and the Academy of Model Aeronautics to provide education and guidance to the UAS community.”

(Source: Small UAV Coalition. Image from file)

FMI: Letter