Gene Robinson runs his company, RP Flight Systems, out of Wimberley. They’ve given emergency manage crews across the nation an eye in the sky, assisting in everything from fires to missing person searches.
“In the field or in a tactical situation, if you have an eye in the sky, if you can get the broad overall view, you are going to be able to make a better overall decision. That is just common sense,” Robinson said.
But a new bill passed by Congress has changed the way his business operates. It requires businesses and agencies to apply for what is called a “certificate of authorization” in order to fly.
Robinson acquired his, but he said the process took months and was not easy. For the local business-owner, his government permission is good for only a small portion of Hays County.
If an emergency happens and he’s called on to assist local law enforcement, Robinson first needs to reach out to the FAA.
“There is some common sense that needs to be applied for something as simple as this that could be used very effectively and very quickly in an emergency situation,” he said.
The FAA says its “sole mission and authority as it focuses on the integration of unmanned aircraft systems is safety.”
But Robinson feels the rest of the world is flying past the United States when it comes to UAS technology.
“There is a lot of development and a lot of technology that has been started here in the United States and has moved overseas,” he said. “Those are jobs and an industry that could benefit the United States significantly.”
The FAA is continuing to integrate Unmanned Aircraft Systems into the airspace. Last month, it created a UAS integration office that brings together experts in this field.
Source: YNN