On July 2, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a series of actions on behalf of US security agencies which implement portions of the SAFER SKIES Act. This legislation was enacted earlier this year and expands certain counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) authorities for qualified state, local, Tribal, and territorial (SLTT) law enforcement agencies.
These actions are, in theory, aimed at improving the ability of authorized agencies to respond to malicious or unlawful drone activity by establishing the communications and equipment approvals needed to support federally authorized counter-UAS operations; however, the long-term implications for the recreational community remain unclear.
At this time, these actions do not change the rules governing recreational model aircraft flying and do not create any new operating requirements for AMA members. These actions primarily direct how an authorized SLTT agency may access or deploy C-UAS measures as outlined by Congress in the SAFER SKIES Act. They also lay a framework for which federal agencies will oversee the different steps SLTTs must complete to be compliant.
While the legislation earlier this year and these recent FCC actions are directed at addressing bad actors and legitimate security threats, AMA gravely recognizes that any expansion of counter-UAS capabilities could easily narrow the options and abilities for lawful recreational pilots in the future.
AMA is actively engaged in discussions with policymakers and relevant agencies at this time. The actions taken by the FCC will expire in 180 days if not formally adopted, which may require a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and subsequent public comment period. AMA is assessing the situation and will notify members if the opportunity and need arise for public comment from individual community members.
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.