The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), The Helicopter Association International (HAI) and 17 other aviation related national organizations have petitioned the FAA to continue its efforts to safely integrate the operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS). In a letter to Acting Administrator Michael Huerta, the leaders of these organizations urged the FAA to remain focused on safety rather than privacy issues. The letter stipulates that the goal should be to ensure that the introduction of UAS into the NAS does not limit access to airspace or require modifications to the existing fleet, and must not hinder the agency’s progress in other areas critical to the NAS infrastructure. The industry leadership emphasized that the FAA must ensure UAS are safely and responsibly integrated into the national airspace in a timely manner but without any detrimental effects on the current aviation system.
Blogger’s Note:
AMA would like to add its voice to this petition. AMA further emphasizes that while we welcome the introduction of UAS into the NAS it must not and cannot be to the detriment or at the expense of the aeromodeling community that has safely and harmoniously operated in the national airspace for over 100 years.
Click the link below to read the industry letter to Acting Administrator Michael Huerta, dated November 8, 2012.
Aviation Industry Letter to the FAA
Rich Hanson
AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs