Author: Rich Hanson
Edition: Model Aviation - 2013/04
Page Numbers: 16

AMA in Action — 2013/04

The list of new laws governing UAS operations grows

The list of proposed state legislation aimed at governing the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or drones) continues to grow. As of this writing, about a dozen U.S. states have begun considering laws to regulate drones.

These states include:

  • California
  • Florida
  • Idaho
  • Maine
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • North Dakota
  • Nebraska
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Texas
  • Virginia

The FAA has been tasked with submitting to Congress—and making publicly available—a five-year roadmap for the introduction of civil UAS into the national airspace system. As the deadline for the FAA to submit its comprehensive plan to Congress approaches, many states are taking the initiative to draft privacy and civil liberties protections from drone surveillance through state-level legislation.

Most of the 12 aforementioned states have legislative initiatives in progress that primarily address the use of UAS by law enforcement and government entities for persistent surveillance. However, some of the proposed legislation contains troubling language that could have unintended consequences for aeromodeling enthusiasts.

Media attention and the broad use of the term “drone” are fueling public apprehension about potential abuse of UAS technology, and politicians are reacting to those concerns. One example is the Charlottesville, Virginia, City Council declaring the city a “No Drone Zone” and equating domestic unmanned aircraft with military drones.

AMA’s Government Relations Team is evaluating each piece of legislation as it is introduced. AMA is taking steps to address concerns with bill sponsors and the relevant legislative bodies.

How you can help

  • Remain vigilant for any potential legislation in your area and report it to the AMA Government Relations Team.
  • Email any helpful information to [email protected] so we can react quickly and keep informed.
  • Ensure everyone you know is aware of the impending sUAS regulation and prepared to participate in the public comment process when the NPRM is published.

Publication of the sUAS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) remains on the horizon; the call for public comment is projected for summer 2013. It’s important that those who share our love for this hobby are well informed and participate in the response to the proposed sUAS rule when the NPRM is published.

Timely updates regarding these issues can be found at:

—Rich Hanson Government and Regulatory Affairs

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.