Further Step Towards Integration of Drones in Aerial Space

Further Step Towards Integration of Drones in Aerial Space

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The US Department of Transportation announced it would allow drones to fly overnight and over people without waivers under certain conditions. “Drones…are well on their way to mainstream deployment,” said Secretary Chao. The first initiative is a proposed new rule to allow drone to fly at night and over people without waivers, if the operator meets conditions including appropriate training, approved testing, and anti-collision lighting on the drone.
Currently, night waivers are the most commonly granted waiver for commercial operators, allowing thermal inspection work or other work over commercial buildings when there are fewer employees present.The proposal “would allow drones to make routine flights over people without a waiver or an exemption under certain conditions,” said Chao according to dronelife.com.
The second initiative that Chao announced deals with safety and security. “Let us note that the Department is keenly aware that there are legitimate public concerns about drones, concerning safety, security and privacy,” said Chao. “Recent events overseas have underscored concerns about the potential for drones to disrupt aviation and the national airspace. So along with this new proposed rule, the Department is finishing up two other proposals to address drone safety and national security.”
While not receiving as much play in the general media, this is a document that concerned commercial pilots should review carefully, as it asks for comment about issues such as the appropriate stand off distance (distance between a drone and the nearest person) and other limitations to performance or operations of drones that might be appropriate for safety and security reasons. When the notice is published to the Federal Register, comments will be open for 60 days.
The “UAS Safe and Secure ANPRM,” said Chao, “identifies major drone safety and security issues that may pose a threat to other aircraft, to people on the ground or to national security. It solicits for consideration recommendations to reduce these risks as drones are integrated into our national airspace.”