Letter to the Federal Aviation Administration - Commercial Drones

Letter

I write to urge the FAA to develop regulations and the NTIA to develop guidelines for the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, as soon as possible.

Confusion over the lack of regulations surrounding drone use is causing problems throughout the country. There are a number of unregulated small drones throughout New York City, as well as other parts of the state, threatening safety and privacy. Recent reports indicate that private investigators have been using drones to spy on unaware parties. Earlier this month, a drone nearly collided with an NYPD helicopter over the George Washington Bridge. These incidents, and many others, show how important it is that you expedite the release of regulations that include with a strong emphasis on safety and privacy.

UAS technology has huge potential beyond its military application. Once they are fully and properly regulated, I believe that drones will be a truly disruptive technology, with uses ranging from agriculture to real estate to search and rescue. However, privacy and safety are two issues on which we simply cannot afford to compromise. The recent boost in the use of drones to spy on unaware New Yorkers and several near collisions have intensified the need for quick guidelines and rules from the NTIA and FAA. These guidelines and rules should include a ban on drones used by private investigators to spy on unaware parties, as well as other strong privacy and safety protections.

I urge you to work together and with other agencies as appropriate to develop strong and certain rules governing the use of UAS. I look forward to working with you to ensure that drones are integrated into the national airspace in a way that promotes economic development and innovation, while protecting the safety and privacy of all Americans.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

U.S. Senator

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