For Immediate Release: October 3, 2018
Contact: Tom McMahon, tmcmahon@auvsi.org, (571) 255-7786
AUVSI Statement on Senate Passage of FAA Reauthorization Bill
Multi-year authorization will grant long-term stability for the entire U.S. aviation system
ARLINGTON, Va. – Brian Wynne, president and CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), issued the following statement on the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) provisions in the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018 (H. Res. 1082 (115)), which passed the U.S. Senate today by a vote of 93 to 6:
“The Senate passage of the FAA bill provides much-needed, multi-year stability to the entire U.S. aviation system and launches the UAS industry to new heights. The bill calls for rulemaking on a UAS Traffic Management (UTM) system, which will help ensure the safe and efficient use of the national airspace.
“The legislation also includes the implementation of remote identification standards. The ability to remotely identify and track UAS is the linchpin needed to advance the UAS industry, and it is critical for the ultimate realization of expanded operations, such as beyond line of sight and package delivery. Additionally, the bill addresses national security concerns by granting DHS and DOJ the authority to mitigate potentially malicious UAS operations. This will help keep our skies safe and secure for all aircraft – manned and unmanned.
“We hope President Trump quickly signs the bill into law as these necessary steps will help encourage innovation and safety while accelerating the commercial use of UAS.”
