UAVs: House Transportation Committee plans to hold hearing on drone safety

Oct. 5, 2015

The House Transportation Committee plans to meet this week to discuss methods to "ensure aviation safety in the eara of UAS"

The House Transportation Committee will hold a hearing on drone safety, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) determines whether or not to move forward with an expansion of UAV commercial-use.

The FAA missed the Sept. 30 deadline for legalizing commercial UAS use, set by Congress in 2012 and says it is still in the process of developing regulations for increased use of the devices.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Aviation Subcommittee is planning to meet on Oct. 7 to discuss methods for "ensuring aviation safety in the era of Unmanned Aircraft Systems [UAS]."

"Increases in reported UAS sightings by pilots and air traffic controllers have raised safety questions among stakeholders and the public," a statement from the Aviation Subcommittee stated.

The FAA said it has approved more than 1,700 drone flights under Section 333 exemption that allows the Transportation Department to waved requirements for FAA approval for unmanned aircraft operations in restricted airspace, below 200 ft.

However, drone advocate organizations favor a long-term solution for the widespread use over case-by-case approvals from the federal government. 

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.

Revolutionizing Concrete Protection - A Sustainable Solution for Lasting Durability

The concrete at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center is subject to several potential sources of damage including livestock biowaste, food/beverage waste, and freeze/thaw...

The Future of Concrete Preservation

PoreShield is a cost-effective, nontoxic alternative to traditional concrete sealers. It works differently, absorbing deep into the concrete pores to block damage from salt ions...