Drone

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is setting up a panel that will include industry stakeholders in order to develop a regulatory framework.

The framework will enable certain unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to be operated over people not directly involved in the aircraft operation.

Industry partners who will form part of the panel include UAS manufacturers and operators, a consensus standards organisation, as well as researchers.

With this initiative, the FAA expects to provide a flexible, performance-based approach for UAS operations.

The committee will commence its work in March and submit its final report, with recommendations to the FAA, in April.

In its report, the committee will provide recommendations on performance-based standards for classification and operation of certain drones, which can be operated safely over people.

"We recognise the significant industry interest in expanding commercial access to the National Airspace System."

The committee will also identify how drone manufacturers can meet requirements and suggest an operational framework. Following submission of the report, the FAA will review it and draft a proposal to make rules.

US transportation secretary Anthony Foxx said: "The department continues to be bullish on new technology.

"We recognise the significant industry interest in expanding commercial access to the National Airspace System.

"The short deadline reinforces our commitment to a flexible regulatory approach that can accommodate innovation, while maintaining today’s high levels of safety."

The committee, co-chaired by FAA UAS integration office director Earl Lawrence and 3D Robotics general counsel Nancy Egan, was created on the model of the UAS registration task force established in October.

FAA administrator Michael Huerta said: "Based on the comments about a ‘micro’ classification submitted as part of the small UAS proposed rule, the FAA will pursue a flexible, performance-based regulatory framework that addresses potential hazards instead of a classification defined primarily by weight and speed."

Last year, the FAA proposed new rules for commercial drone flights to help integrate small drones into the US aviation system.

Image: The panel will provide recommendations on performance-based standards for classification and operation of certain drones, which can be operated safely over people. Photo: courtesy of Victor Habbick / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.