NV Senators Pen Letter to DOT & FAA Urging Use of Drones in COVID-19 Response

In a letter to Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Elaine Chao and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Chairman Stephen Dickson, Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) have called on the DOT and FAA to pursue pathways for the expedited use of drones to address key gaps in the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response efforts. ADI appreciates Sens. Cortez-Masto and Rosen for the leadership on this issue and for drawing attention the industry’s unique ability to help meet the needs of communities nationwide.

Specifically, the Senators highlight the need to promote access to key health care essentials for constituents that do not have direct access to needed medications, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other essential supplies by way of an accelerated pathway toward expanded beyond visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations. They note that these proposed flexibilities will allow first responders, public health agencies, and retailers need to deliver these necessities in a timely and safe manner during the pandemic. "As we look to strengthen our ability to respond to the continued challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as future emergencies, we know that drones can be a vital tool in our toolbox that can be leveraged to meet the needs of our society," the letter states. "With your leadership, the U.S. can emerge from COVID-19 relief efforts with a deeper understanding of how to harness UAS by providing real-time assistance to the people in our states hardest hit by its effects." ​The letter in its entirety can be read here. 

2020.5.14_chao-faa_drones_to_help_covid__ccm-rosen_.pdf
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