News and Commentary. This could be the year - or not. The FAA has been working under a series of funding extensions for years now. A multi-year package hasn't been passed since 2012 - well before the drone industry enjoyed financial impact predictions of billions. Last year's discussions on FAA Reauthorization seemed doomed from the start: the distance between "let's … [Read more...] about When (If Ever) Will Congress Pass FAA Reauthorization?
AIRR Act
With 4 Days Left, House Fails to Pass FAA Reathorization Extension
With only 4 days to go until the current extension expires on September 30, House Democrats blocked a Republican push to fast-track another FAA extension. The FAA Reathorization Act currently in force dates back to 2012, and repeated attempts to try to replace it have failed - resulting in a series of cobbled together extensions. Last year, Congress failed to come up with a … [Read more...] about With 4 Days Left, House Fails to Pass FAA Reathorization Extension
FAA Reauthorization Pushed Aside…Again
The House version of the FAA Reauthorization Act - the 21st Century AIRR Act - has been pushed off again until September while it's sponsor, Rep. Bill Shuster (R - Pa.), works for more support. The Hill reports that Shuster has confirmed that the bill will not be brought up for a vote until after the August recess. Shuster told The Hill that he was "disappointed" about the … [Read more...] about FAA Reauthorization Pushed Aside…Again
Micro Drone Provision is Back as Part of AIRR Act
A new amendment to the House proposal for FAA Reauthorization, the 21st Century AIRR Act, calls for a micro drone classification for drone regulations. The amendment, offered by Rep. Rodney Davis of Illinois, calls for a special category of regulations for drones weighing under 4.4 pounds. According to the amendment, operators of drones weighing less than 4.4 pounds … [Read more...] about Micro Drone Provision is Back as Part of AIRR Act
Drone User Group Proposes Changes to FAA Reauthorization Bills
It's that time of year again - when Congress starts to consider FAA Reauthorization (the last extension made expires this fall.) Last week's announcement that Rep. Bill Shuster had re-introduced the AIRR Act as "The 21st Century AIRR Act" was no surprise, coming after President Trump's vocal support for privatization of air traffic control (ATC). Senator John Thune has also … [Read more...] about Drone User Group Proposes Changes to FAA Reauthorization Bills
