AUVSI Forms Pilots Council to Discuss Commercial Drone Regulatory Issues With FAA

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International launched the Remote Pilots Council to discuss commercial drone issues within the industry and with the Federal Aviation Administration. “The RPC’s immediate goals are to bring AUVSI members together to provide feedback on real-world [unmanned aircraft systems] operations, including clarifying and offering suggestions for greater efficiency in the FAA waiver process,” said AUVSI President Brian Wynne in a Monday news release. “The RPC will identify and discuss operational challenges and potential solutions in UAS regulation as the FAA moves towards the full integration of UAS into the [national air space].” In August, the FAA issued a rule that allows drones less than 55 pounds to fly in sparsely populated areas up to 400 feet high and up to 100 miles per hour during daylight hours, and requires operators to obtain certification by passing a written test (see 1608290049). The council first met nearly two weeks ago and scheduled other public meetings over the next month, including Feb. 8 in Washington.