For Immediate Release: Dec. 14, 2015
Contact: Tom McMahon, tmcmahon@auvsi.org, (571) 255-7786
ARLINGTON, Va. — Brian Wynne, president and CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), today issued the following statement on the Federal Aviation Administration’s announcement of a final UAS registration rule. Wynne is a member of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Registration Task Force that delivered recommendations to the administrator of the FAA last month.
“AUVSI is pleased that the FAA has moved forward with a final registration rule that will lead to increased accountability across the entire aviation community. Under the FAA’s proposed small UAS rule released earlier this year, commercial operators would be required to register their platforms. Extending this requirement to consumer UAS operators will help promote responsibility and safety.
“Task force members worked diligently to resolve their differences and find solutions that allow for the growth and development of UAS industry while providing increased accountability. Though it may not be perfect, this process and final rule shows that industry and government can come together quickly to develop policy. We are hopeful that same sense of urgency will be applied to the larger issues we must address for our industry.
“While the creation of a registration system is an important step to enhance safety, the FAA must continue its work to integrate UAS into the national airspace, starting by finalizing the small UAS rule. Putting the rule in place will provide the necessary tools and training to create a culture of safety that will help deter careless and reckless behavior.
“The FAA’s small UAS rulemaking has been beset by several delays. Considering that safety is at stake, we cannot afford to continue waiting. The FAA needs to make UAS integration a top priority.”
About AUVSI
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) — the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of unmanned systems and robotics — represents more than 7,500 members from more than 60 countries involved in the fields of government, industry and academia. AUVSI members work in the defense, civil and commercial markets.