Reaction so far by general aviation advocacy groups has been mainly positive to the new rules released yesterday by the FAA to manage small drones (55 pounds or less) in the national airspace. “We commend the FAA for balancing the imperative to maintain safety … with the practical needs of this rapidly-emerging industry,” said Bob Lamond, NBAA’s director of air traffic services and infrastructure. “Overall, these regulations provide clearly-defined operating parameters that commercial UAS users have sought for years.” AOPA said the final rule incorporates many of the comments they submitted during the rulemaking process, including restricting the maximum operating altitude for small UAS to 400 feet AGL to provide a buffer between manned and unmanned aircraft. The Air Line Pilots Association, however, raised several concerns.
“ALPA would like to see the FAA take a stronger stance in ensuring that those who commercially pilot small UAS hold the same certificate as commercial-rated pilots,” the organization said in a statement. “This will assure a standard level of aeronautical knowledge and training across all pilots operating UAS commercially.” ALPA also wants to see stricter oversight of recreational drone users. The Academy of Model Aeronautics welcomed the new rule, noting that it “resolves many uncertainties in the law and creates an improved regulatory environment” and also maintains an exemption for model aircraft “from burdensome regulation.” The new rule, known as Part 107, takes effect in late August.
