Today, President Donald Trump and the Department of Transportation launched the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Pilot Program. Over the next year, five to twelve communities will be selected by the FAA to test new drone programs in close coordination with the UAS industry as well as state and local governments. Next year, one test program could include real-world drone package delivery.
Importantly, this pilot program does not change anything for AMA members. You can continue flying under AMA’s community-based safety guidelines, as we have for decades.
AMA issued the following statement on today’s announcement:
“We look forward to seeing if the White House’s new pilot program is a viable solution to helping local authorities and the UAS industry coordinate with the FAA and keep our skies safe for all. We are encouraged that this new program appears to preserve the FAA’s authority over the nation’s airspace.”– Chad Budreau, Public Relations & Government Affairs Director, Academy of Model Aeronautics
Moving forward, we will be closely involved in the pilot program. And as always, working to preserve our hobby. We will update you as more details emerge.