FAA to Seek Comment on Remote ID of Drones

The FAA plans to seek comment on proposed rules on remote identification of unmanned aircraft systems. “With nearly 1.5 million drones and 155,000 remote pilots registered with the FAA, the ability to provide identification and location is essential to keeping drones safely separated from other aircraft operating in our airspace,” the Transportation Department said Thursday. Comment dates will come in a Federal Register notice, now expected Tuesday. “While we are still reviewing the details of the proposed remote identification rule, we are pleased that the FAA is finally moving forward with rulemaking for remote ID standards after four delays,” said Brian Wynne, CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International. “We have long called for the establishment and implementation of these standards.” Drones offer “enormous potential to improve productivity and enhance safety,” said Tim Day, U.S. Chamber Technology Engagement Center senior vice president: “Remote ID will help ensure the safety and security of the airspace and enable more innovative applications and uses of unmanned aircraft systems such as package delivery and long-range surveying.” The Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Coalition welcomed the notice and said it plans to submit detailed comments. The group “strongly supports efforts to promote remote ID implementation before the final rule is in place,” said a statement.