White House Announces Drone Safety Program

President Donald Trump called for a new drone safety program Wednesday, directing the Transportation Department to work with state and local governments in select jurisdictions to safely integrate unmanned air technologies into national airspace. CTA praised the move as a "smart way to engage local governments and community stakeholders," said Vice President-Technology Policy Doug Johnson. Drone sales in the U.S. will reach 3.4 million units this year, up 40 percent from 2016, and $1.1 billion in revenue, CTA reports. The Small UAV Coalition, which joined 30 organizations in a recent letter to Trump asking for such a program, supported the move. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune, R-S.D., praised the drone program directive, saying it would provide "sensible direction" for increasing safety. The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International said the program will be helpful as more businesses deploy drones.