According to a recent update on DOT’s Rulemaking Webpage the projected publication date for the small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) has been pushed back to July 2012. Though this has not yet been confirmed by the FAA Unmanned Aircraft Program Office (UAPO), sources close to the office say that the rule still resides at the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST) and at this point it’s anybody’s guess as to when the NPRM will be published. My guess is that recent provisions in the FAA reauthorization bill in regards to the commercial and public use of UAS, as well as model aircraft, have created the need to revisit several portions of the proposed rule.
Though the delay in the release of the NPRM is unfortunate, the advent of the sUAS rule is inevitable. Check back often for the latest news and updates on the sUAS rulemaking process.
Rich Hanson
AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs
Why does this NPRM keep getting pushed back? The whole issue makes me nervous about how we will be affected with regard to flying our models. It is getting really old.
Rick, I certainly share your frustration and concern. Delays in the development of an NPRM are somewhat the nature of the beast. There are so many layers of internal review before the proposed rule is released for public comment that it’s virtually inevitable for the process to cause scrutiny and comment that requires further analysis. I suppose to some extent this is a could thing in that, at least in theory, serious flaws in the regulation are caught and corrected before the proposed rule is published.
It’s not unusual for the rulemaking process to take 7 to 10 years before new regulation is implemented. If you can believe it, we’re on a fast track… They’re trying to get the sUAS rule out in 5 to 7 years… (-:
Rich Hanson
AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs
I am looking forward to having this be regulated, as we will be able to legitimately use sUAV for commercial purposes. Just hope it isn’t too restrictive!