Wednesday, Congressman Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02) and Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Unmanned Systems Caucus, voiced support for Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s newly proposed rule to expand drone operations beyond visual line of sight.
“America should be a global leader in aviation safety and innovation,” Rep. Yakym said. “This proposed rule will change the game for innovators, manufacturers, and consumers. It’s the first step to safely integrating new entrants like drones into our airspace. I want to thank Secretary Duffy for his thoughtful leadership on this issue.”
“I am pleased that the Department of Transportation has finally published a notice of proposed rulemaking for beyond visual line of sight operations for drones, as required by provisions I led in the 2024 FAA reauthorization,” Rep. Titus said. “Regulatory certainty for BVLOS operations will unleash new commercial and public safety uses for unmanned aircraft systems. In the coming weeks, I look forward to working with the members of the Congressional Unmanned Systems Caucus to review the proposed rule and collect feedback from stakeholders.”
Background:
This proposed legislation comes on the heels of the 2024 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act, where Rep. Yakym served as Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee.
The FAA Reauthorization Act included key elements of his bipartisan bill, The Increasing Competitiveness for American Drones Act (H.R. 3459), to unlock the potential of unmanned aircraft and maintain American leadership in next-generation aviation. It also included bipartisan legislation (H.R. 3989), which Representative Titus co-led, directing the FAA to issue a rulemaking on BVLOS operations.
Under the draft rule, drone flights would occur no more than 400 feet above ground level from predesignated locations, according to an FAA fact sheet. They could operate over people but not large open-air events like concerts or crowded parks, with population density factoring into various restrictions on flights.
Both Congressman Yakym and Congresswoman Titus were co-sponsors of the DEFENSE Act earlier this year which will help state and local law enforcement counter drone threats at stadiums.
IHSAA approves Personal Branding, while basketball shot clock proposal fails
USDA opens enrollment for Grassland Conservation Reserve Program
Knox County farm to be featured at Indiana State Fair
Lawrence County election lottery coming up
City of Lawrenceville takes possession of old school building
Illinois AG still looking into dispatchers in Edgar County case
Work begins on OCC Science Labs project
One dead after Knox County collision
Flood warning extended for Embarras River at Lawrenceville
New online portal brings transparency to Indiana gas prices during declared energy emergency
Sumner police officer placed on administrative leave
Storm system rolls through region
Multiple charges filed against out of county man in Lawrence County
Two from Lawrence County receive prison terms
Two Lawrence County senior centers to reopen
CUSD #20 welcomes two new principals
Vincennes Police investigate business scams
