U.S. regulator solicits public opinions over proposals on small drones

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Sunday proposed a framework of regulations that would allow routine use of certain small drones, formally known as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), in the American aviation system.

The proposal, which applies to small drones weighing less than 55 pounds (25 kilograms) for non-recreational purposes, would limit flights to daylight operations and would require an operator to maintain visual line of sight of the aircraft.

The FAA said it's asking for comments on whether the rules should permit operations beyond line of sight, and if so, what the appropriate limits should be.

"We have tried to be flexible in writing these rules," FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said in a statement. "We want to maintain today's outstanding level of aviation safety without placing an undue regulatory burden on an emerging industry."

Under the proposed rules, people flying drones, also called operators, would have to be at least 17 years old, pass an aeronautical knowledge test and obtain an FAA UAS operator certificate.

To maintain certification, operators would have to pass the FAA knowledge tests every 24 months, but a small UAS operator would not need any further private pilot certifications such as a private pilot license or medical rating.

The rules also proposed operating limitations designed to minimize risks to other aircraft and people and property on the ground.

For example, a small UAS should fly under 500 feet (152 meters) in altitude and no faster than 100 mph (about 160 kilometers per hour). The aircraft also may not fly over people, except those directly involved with the flight. The proposal would also bar an operator from allowing any object to be dropped from the UAS.

In addition, a small UAS operator must always see manned aircraft and must be the first to maneuver away if there is a risk of collision, and must discontinue the flight when continuing would pose a hazard to other aircraft, people or property.

Operators must also stay out of airport flight paths and restricted airspace areas, and obey any FAA temporary flight restrictions.

The FAA said it's discussing the possibility of "an additional, more flexible framework for 'micro' UAS under 4.4 pounds" but will ask the public to comment on this possible classification to determine whether it should include this option as part of a final rule.

In addition to this proposal, the White House issued a Presidential Memorandum earlier Sunday, directing the initiation of a multi-stakeholder engagement process within 90 days to develop a framework for privacy, accountability, and transparency issues concerning commercial and private UAS use.

"UAS are a potentially transformative technology in diverse fields such as agriculture, law enforcement, coastal security, military training, search and rescue, first responder medical support, critical infrastructure inspection, and many others," the White House said in a background statement. "The Presidential Memorandum released today ensures that the Federal Government's use of UAS ... promotes better accountability and transparent use of this technology." Endite