NBAA is surveying its members to assess any concerns they have regarding the use of drones. Announced late last week, the survey also seeks viewpoints on the FAA’s recent notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) covering Part 108 beyond visual line of sight operations for uncrewed aircraft systems.
The survey will remain open until September 15 and, according to NBAA v-p for air traffic services and infrastructure Heidi Williams, member comments will help to inform the business aviation group’s response to the proposals. Industry stakeholders have until October 6 to provide input for the NPRM. The agency's proposal covers operating rules for drone package deliveries and missions including agricultural support, surveying, public safety, and for-hire flight testing.
“It is helpful to understand if members are using drones as a tool or if they have concerns with the proposed rule and drone operations,” Williams said. “Understanding the use and operational impacts will help form the basis of NBAA’s comments to the FAA on the proposed Part 108 rule. Commercial operations have been limited to either line-of-sight, or you’re operating under exemptions or waivers. The proposed rule opens the door to having routine and scalable operations, so we need to make sure it’s done right.”