Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Counter-UAS insurance policies and rules CDA Testimony

Business Drone Alliance Requires Regulatory Readability and Expanded Counter-UAS Authorities

Lisa Ellman, Government Director of the Business Drone Alliance (CDA), testified earlier than the U.S. Home of Representatives Subcommittee on Aviation as we speak, February 6, 2025. Her remarks addressed the evolving panorama of counter-unmanned plane methods (counter-UAS) insurance policies and the necessity for balanced rules that guarantee safety whereas enabling business drone operations.

The Position of Drones in Society

Drones play a vital position in varied industries, bettering security, decreasing prices, and enhancing emergency response efforts. “Communities throughout the nation use this know-how every single day to combat wildfires, reply to pure disasters, examine vital infrastructure, deliver support to distant locations, and even ship meals and medication,” Ellman said. The business drone sector is projected to generate billions of {dollars} for the financial system, benefiting companies of all sizes.

Regardless of these advantages, considerations persist concerning unauthorized drone operations. “The business drone trade shares the Congress’ and the general public’s want to make sure that drones are operated safely and in compliance with relevant legal guidelines and rules,” Ellman emphasised. She acknowledged public considerations about drone exercise and referred to as for better transparency and schooling to construct belief in business drone use.

Establishing a Regulatory Framework for Secure Drone Operations

Ellman urged policymakers to implement a robust regulatory basis to assist secure and safe drone integration. She highlighted the significance of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Distant Identification (Distant ID) rule, which requires drones to broadcast digital license plates. “The general public can now use a number of available smartphone apps (resembling Drone Scanner) to determine a drone’s license plate—very like we do with automobiles on the highway,” she defined.

Whereas the Distant ID rule enhances transparency, Ellman confused the necessity for improved compliance and public schooling. She additionally referred to as for the swift implementation of pending FAA rules on past visible line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations and drone safety round vital infrastructure, referred to as the “2209 rule.” “Sadly, regardless of calls by this Committee for motion, congressionally-mandated deadlines for each guidelines have been ignored on the expense of the drone trade and the American public,” she famous.

To additional strengthen safety, Ellman advisable the adoption of a “verified operator” program. This initiative would perform equally to TSA Pre-Test, serving to authorities differentiate between official business drone operators and unauthorized customers. “The business drone trade would willingly take part in such a program to allow the federal government to keep up a database of licensed business UAS operations and assist related businesses and public security officers with risk discrimination,” she said.

Increasing Counter-UAS Authorities

Ellman additionally mentioned the necessity to increase counter-UAS capabilities, making certain legislation enforcement and safety businesses can mitigate drone-related threats. She expressed assist for the Home’s efforts to deal with these considerations by way of H.R. 8610, the “Counter-UAS Authority Safety, Security, and Reauthorization Act,” and H.R. 4333, the “Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Plane Methods Act of 2023.”

“The present model of the invoice is a major step in the fitting course and makes strides to enhance the transparency, safety, security, and accountability of our NAS,” Ellman stated. She urged lawmakers to make sure counter-UAS insurance policies stay technology-agnostic, permitting safety groups to undertake the best options for various environments.

Moreover, she advisable increasing the Counter-UAS Pilot Program to incorporate extra state, native, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) legislation enforcement businesses. “This growth is vital to accumulating sufficient information from a variety of circumstances and geographies to tell future coverage,” she famous. She emphasised the significance of starting preparatory work on operator coaching, system testing, and requirements improvement to keep away from delays in implementation.

A Balanced Strategy

Ellman concluded by reiterating the necessity for a balanced method to drone regulation. “Our collective aim is to allow compliant, cautious, business drone operators whereas addressing the challenges posed by careless, clueless, or prison actors,” she said. She inspired lawmakers to maneuver ahead with clear regulatory pointers and expanded counter-UAS authorities to safeguard nationwide safety whereas selling innovation.

For extra data on the Business Drone Alliance’s coverage efforts, go to www.commercialdronealliance.org.

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