Senators Mark Warner, D-V.A., and John Thune, R-S.D., have introduced legislation that would update rules for allowing commercial use of unmanned aerial vehicles that can fly beyond visual line of sight.
The Increasing Competitiveness for American Drones Act of 2023 would order the Federal Aviation Administration to develop a more efficient commercial drone flight approval process to allow BVLOS operations in select situations, which would help maintain U.S. standing in the global drone market, Warner’s office said Wednesday.
“Revamping the process for approving commercial drone flight will catapult the United States into the 21st century, allowing us to finally start competing at the global level as technological advancements make drone usage ever more common,” said Warner, who is a three-time Wash100 Award winner.
Drone operators and pilots are currently required to seek FAA approval before conducting BVLOS operations.
To guide the implementation of the updated rules, the bill proposes the creation of a unmanned aerial system certification unit and a new associate administrator of UAS integration position at the FAA.
“Drones have the potential to transform the economy, with innovative opportunities for transportation and agriculture that would benefit rural states like South Dakota,” Thune commented.
