OSHKOSH, WIS. –The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is maintaining that although the popularity and number of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, is rising rapidly, their entrance into the national airspace system cannot come to the detriment of manned aircraft operations.
EAA made that point as part of its official comments to a proposal by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration that would require registration of UAS, including those used for recreation or hobby purposes. The comment period is part of a fast-track effort by the government to finalize registration procedures by the end of the year.
EAA remains committed to the safety of manned aircraft operations as regulations catch up to the fast-growing demand for drone activities,” said Sean Elliott, EAA Vice President of Advocacy & Safety. “No new airspace restrictions should be forced on manned operations because of drone flights, and right-of-way and priority should always be given to manned aircraft operations. In addition, aircraft owners and pilots should not have to be required to install new equipment to track and ‘see’ drones beyond that already required by FAA regulations.”
Along with an established hierarchy of manned air operations over UAS uses, EAA sees potential for education within the UAS community in keeping with the organization’s “education is more effective than regulation” philosophy. EAA was one of the inaugural aviation organizations to join with the “Know Before You Fly” education campaign that promoted safety education and accountability among UAS users.
