DRONE ADVISORY COMMITTEE HOLDS INAUGURAL MEETING

October 21, 2016

The inaugural Drone Advisory Committee meeting was held on September 16, 2016 in Washington at the offices of the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA). RTCA’s President Margaret Jenny, along with FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and Intel CEO Brian Krzanich, presided over the day long affair.  Attendees included 35 RTCA members, representing diverse interests of aviation and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) as well as other interested parties.  The goal of the meeting was to begin to develop consensus on the best way to integrate UAS into the National Airspace System (NAS).

A diverse cross section of the industry was represented, including the leaders of Google [X], Amazon Prime Air, and Facebook, the Mayor of San Francisco, the CEO of Los Angeles World Airports, the President and CEO of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the Presidents of American Airlines, and the President and CEO of Helicopter Association, International.  The FAA was also significantly represented.

Moving forward, at least initially, the group’s top priorities include answering the questions, “What do I need to do to fly a drone in the airspace?”, and “What are the most pressing privacy concerns and what are the respective roles, responsibilities and authorities of local, state and federal entities in resolving those issues?”  The Committee agreed that remaining issues will be evaluated by a soon-to-be-formed DAC Subcommittee to prioritize.  A more detailed summary of the meeting will be posted on the Drone Advisory Committee website at: https://www.rtca.org/content.asp?pl=33&sl=216&contentid=216

If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6665).

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