In a recent partnership, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) and Small UAV Coalition are raising awareness about the issues and rules surrounding the use of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), more commonly known as drones.
Under the newly proposed rules, the FAA will allow for the use of certain small unmanned aircraft systems (under 55 pounds) in non-recreational airspace and provide more options for public input on the use of “micro” UAS (under 4.4 pounds). The full sUAS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking can be found at www.faa.gov/uas.
“We understand the increasing use of drones but want to make sure the public understands that the issue of appropriate use is still being discussed and hasn’t fully been implemented yet,” said Marshall Wright, director of the aerospace and defense economic cluster at GOED. “We strongly encourage the public to look into their local rules on drone use and also visit the ‘Know Before You Fly’ website.”
The ‘Know Before You Fly’ campaign was founded by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), and the Small UAV Coalition in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to inform the public about safe and responsible operation of sUAS for both recreational and commercial use.
Although the proposed rules may be implemented, it is important for the public to understand that no changes have been made to current laws and ordinances. More information can be found at
knowbeforeyoufly.org.