AOPA helps shape recreational drone test
FAA taps stakeholders
AOPA will pitch in on a collaborative effort to create a knowledge test for recreational drone users, aiming to keep the skies safe as newcomers arrive in droves.
The FAA chose AOPA along with 11 other organizations and stakeholders who responded to a request for information to take part creating a knowledge test for recreational drone pilots as required by a 2018 federal law. King Schools, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the Academy of Model Aeronautics, and the Drone Racing League were also among those chosen, along with DJI, producer of most of the more than 1 million drones registered for recreational use to date.
The FAA announced the selections December 9, noting that the selected organizations have been invited to provide recommendations for the training content and design of the knowledge test.
“These recommendations will assist the agency in developing requirements that potential test administrators must meet,” the FAA noted in the press release. “These requirements, and any associated selection criteria for test administrators will be announced on FAA.gov.”
AOPA Director of Regulatory Affairs Chris Cooper said the selected organizations will meet in January 2020 tokick off the process, and AOPA welcomes the opportunity to help new arrivals understand the National Airspace System and appreciate the importance of flying with care, whatever the size of the aircraft they might fly.
“With more than one million registered recreational drones, AOPA wants to help support and educate this growing segment,” Cooper said.
