Category Archives: Regulatory Matters

UAS America Fund Files FAA Formal Petition for Rule-making on “Micro” Drones

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Law firm Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems practice head Brendan Schulman has filed with the Federal Aviation Administration a formal Petition for Rulemaking (“Petition”) on behalf of the UAS America Fund, LLC (“UAS Fund”), proposing a new “micro” unmanned aircraft (“mUA”) rule. The proposed regulation would govern all commercial operations for unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS”) that are extremely lightweight — three pounds or less — operated at low altitudes (below 400 feet), at least five miles away from airports and by pilots with a demonstrated level of aeronautical knowledge. Continue reading →

Know Before You Fly

Leading unmanned aircraft systems industry and hobbyist groups, along with the federal government,have launched a new education campaign titled “Know Before You Fly,” which provides prospective operators with the information and guidance they need to fly safely and responsibly. The effort is being spearheaded by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and the Small UAV Coalition in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Continue reading →

ICAO Conducts UAS Fact-Finding Mission

ICAO 1The council president of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, led a special, high-level and technically oriented ICAO fact-finding mission to the United States last week at the invitation of the FAA. The aim of the mission was to ensure that ICAO remains proactive on regulatory developments relating to Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and the emerging realm of sub-orbital space flight.

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New York City Council Considers Drone Ban

Drone ScenarioThe New York city council is eyeing a potential ban of private drones and the addition of fines, in two separate bills. The first bill is “more of an outright ban” of drones, proposed by Council member Dan Garodnick, and the other will create fines and areas where drones are prohibited, proposed by Council member Paul Vallone. The two bills may be combined, but that decision will be determined by further council committee review.

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