Schumer: FAA's Proposed Rules on Drones Are Good First Step Towards Airspace Safety, But Final Rules Must Include Three Key Changes; Urges Feds To Fix Flawed 'Line Of Sight' Rule, Require Manufacturers To Use GPS Geo-Fencing Technology & Develop Stringent Privacy Protections

Press Release

Following the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) release of the long-awaited proposed rule for drones, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today urged the FAA and the Department of Commerce to address three remaining, and major, areas of concern in a final rule. Specifically, Schumer is urging the FAA to reconsider its proposed "line of sight' rule, which currently requires that all drones fly within the visual line of sight of the operator. Schumer also said that the FAA should require drone manufacturers to develop and install built-in software, firmware and GPS tracking in the device to better control where drones fly and enforce rules. Lastly, Schumer is urging the FAA to work with the Department of Commerce to develop stringent privacy guidelines for the use of drones.

The FAA is charged with developing general, binding rules for integrating drones into the national airspace. In light of a number of near-misses at New York City airports as well as numerous privacy concerns, Schumer has long been an advocate for clearer guidelines on drone use. Since the FAA Modernization and Reform Act was passed in 2012 and established "a special rule for model aircraft," Schumer has urged the FAA to release its proposed rule, which would distinguish between hobby and commercial drones, and outline the legal and illegal uses of commercial drones. On February 15th, the FAA released its draft rule on drones. Schumer said that the proposed rule includes many positive changes that will help make our airspace safer, particularly for commercial air travelers and pilots. For instance, the draft rule requires drones to fly below 500 feet and significantly outside of airport and other secure airspace. Schumer has said that while this action is a solid first step, the proposed rules do not sufficiently strike a balance between safety and allowing the commercial potential of drones to take flight. Schumer today wrote to the FAA and Commerce Department outlining his concerns.

"The FAA's proposed rule on drones makes our airspace significantly safer, however, more must be done to protect the privacy of individuals and help build the commercial potential for this transformative technology," said Senator Schumer. "The FAA's proposed rule is a good first step, and I appreciate the agency's indications that the final rule can change, given that there are three key areas that must be improved. First, the FAA's "line of sight' rule appears to be a concerning limitation on commercial usage and this proposed rule should be modified. Second, the FAA should require drone manufacturers to use geo-fencing technology, which can be built into the drone to limit where it can fly. Lastly, the President has ordered the Commerce Department to work with the FAA to develop stringent privacy protections; this work must be completed ASAP. We all shudder to think that someone can send a drone peering into the window of our living room or our bedroom."

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