FAA Issues Package Drone Certification Notice (Corrected)

The FAA is proposing to issue type certificates for individual unmanned aircraft designs heavier than 55 pounds that will be used for package delivery. In a Federal Register Notice published last week, the agency says it wants to certify drones under the “special class” category that addresses aircraft “for which certification standards do not exist due to their unique, novel, or unusual design features.” Drones would be subject to the same rigorous testing and standards of manned aircraft and a future NPRM is designed for package-carrying drones. Standards for aircraft carrying people would follow.

The agency is looking for public comment to help it figure out the new set of standards and warns that it’s the beginning of what will certainly be a long and complex process toward integration of drones. Comments are being accepted until March 4 and it’s urging commenters to be specific. “The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the policy, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data,” the NPRM reads.

Correction: Previously, we reported the agency had issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. In fact, it had issued a Federal Register Notice. We apologize for the error.