Alliance for Drone Innovation Statement on Passage of the 2018 FAA Reauthorization

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       
October 3, 2018      
Contact: Jenny Rosenberg
jtr@droneinnovation.org 

Washington D.C. — The Alliance for Drone Innovation congratulated and thanked the House and Senate today after final passage of the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act, which provides funding for the FAA for five years and takes important steps to further integrate unmanned aircraft into the national airspace system.

Specifically, the FAA Reauthorization Act includes key provisions to further integrate drones into American aviation:
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• Authorizes the FAA to establish a Remote Identification solution to monitor airborne drones, providing law enforcement, homeland security and aviation safety officials the information they need to keep the skies safe.
• Creates a framework for authorities to take emergency action against drones that appear to pose threats, though much work remains to ensure they can do so safely and responsibly.
• Emphasizes safety education for new drone pilots, including requiring tests to help ensure they understand the rules of safe flight.
• Encourages drone manufacturers to innovate new technological approaches to improving safety and to place them on the market as soon as possible.

 
According to Executive Director Jenny Rosenberg, “The Alliance for Drone Innovation is thrilled that House and Senate leadership worked tirelessly together and with input from industry to pass legislation that provides a long-term FAA authorization and reinforces the agency’s central role in regulating the National Airspace System. This bill confirms Congress’s intent to support the ongoing work to safely integrate drones into our airspace. We applaud the critical new tools that FAA will have to help ensure drones and traditional aircraft can safely share the skies.”
 
About the Alliance for Drone Innovation
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ADI is a policy-oriented coalition of manufacturers, suppliers, and software developers of personal and professional drones, as well as the innovative Americans who fly them for recreational, artistic, and business purposes. ADI serves as a knowledgeable partner and resource for policymakers seeking thoughtful solutions to the challenges of unmanned flight. Current ADI members include 3DR, DJI, DroneNerds, Fat Shark, GoPro, Horizon Hobby, Indemnis, DR1 Racing, Kittyhawk, Multicopter Warehouse, Mota, Parrot, Pelican, Skycatch, and Xcraft. For more information, or to learn more about joining us, please visit www.droneinnovation.org.