On Friday, June 6, the White House released two executive orders concerning Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The first executive order focuses on UAS integration into the National Airspace System and investigating security measures to protect critical infrastructure. The second executive order takes steps to accelerate the commercialization of US drone technology and manufacturing.
These executive orders were anticipated, and AMA has representatives visiting Washington, D.C., as of Monday, June 9, to meet with decision-makers and advocate for our community. AMA members should know that this will be a lengthy process, and we do not expect any immediate changes to our current operations. Please review the White House’s provided summary for the Executive Orders below:
Executive Order: Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty
- UAS, otherwise known as drones, pose a growing threat as criminals, terrorists, and hostile foreign actors increasingly weaponize these technologies to endanger public safety and national security.
- The order establishes the Federal Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty to review and propose solutions to UAS threats.
- It directs the Administrator of the FAA to establish a process to restrict drone flights over critical infrastructure and other public facilities.
- It instructs the FAA Administrator to make Notices to Airmen and Temporary Flight Restrictions freely available online for drone geofencing and Aircraft Navigation and Guidance system purposes.
- The order requires the U.S. Attorney General and FAA Administrator to increase enforcement of civil and criminal laws against drone operators endangering the public, violating airspace restrictions, or committing a crime.
- It authorizes federal agencies to use existing authorities to detect, track, and identify drones and drone signals, and enables state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies to access grant programs for similar equipment.
- The order mandates the publication of guidance to help private critical infrastructure owners and operators employ drone detection technologies.
- It calls for a risk-based assessment to designate borders, large airports, federal facilities, critical infrastructure, and military installations as protected areas.
- The order directs the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to explore integrating counter-UAS operation responses as part of Joint Terrorism Task Forces that are present for mass gathering events.
- It also directs the administration to create a National Training Center for Counter-UAS to build the capacity to secure major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics.
Executive Order: Unleashing American Drone Dominance
- The order directs the FAA Administrator to expand drone operations by enabling routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight drone operations for commercial and public safety missions, and to accelerate the development, testing, and scaling of American drone technologies, including advanced air mobility and autonomous operations.
- The order establishes an electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing integration pilot program to accelerate the deployment of safe and lawful vertical operations in the US, selecting at least five pilot projects to advance applications such as cargo transport and medical response.
- It directs the FAA Administrator to deploy artificial intelligence tools to streamline and expedite UAS waiver reviews.
- The order directs the FAA Administrator to publish an updated roadmap for the integration of civil UAS into the National Airspace System.
- It strengthens the domestic drone industrial base by prioritizing US-manufactured UAS, promoting their export and taking action to ensure our technology remains secure from undue foreign influence and exploitation.
- It enhances global competitiveness by streamlining regulations, expanding market access, and utilizing federal financing tools.
- The order supports the warfighter by expanding access to US-manufactured high-performing drones while streamlining airspace and spectrum access.
To remain current with the most recent government-related news, regularly visit the AMA Government Affairs blog. If you have any further questions or concerns, contact the Government Affairs department at (765) 287-1256 or amagov@modelaircraft.org.