AOPA Explores Impact of FAA’s Proposed Drone Operations Rule
WASHINGTON—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is reviewing the FAA’s newly released Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at integrating drones into the National Airspace System (NAS), including expanding Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations.
“While AOPA supports the safe integration of drones into the NAS, we will closely evaluate the proposal and provide comments,” said AOPA President and CEO Darren Pleasance. “Our focus will be on safety, right-of-way rules, and potential equipment requirements.”
As currently written, the proposal would require drones “to yield to all manned aircraft broadcasting their position using ADS-B or electronic conspicuity equipment” (such as a lower-power portable ADS-B Out device), as well as all aircraft “departing from or arriving at an airport or heliport.”
The NPRM will soon be published in the Federal Register, at which point the public will have 60 days to submit comments. AOPA encourages all members to make their voices heard.
AOPA Communications staff
AOPA Communications Staff are communicators who specialize in making aerospace, aviation and advocacy information relatable for all.
