A safe national airspace (NAS) is critical to American commerce, travel, and national security. The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has been directed by the U.S. Congress to control and actively manage our skies, which they have done admirably throughout the years. In fact, many nations look to American airspace management practices with envy, as our aviation record and dedication to safe skies speaks for itself.
Policy
Policy
Congratulations, Sec. Buttigieg!
Today, Pete Buttigieg was confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and AUVSI extends our warmest congratulations as Mayor Pete becomes Secretary Buttigieg.
The unmanned systems industry is one that prizes innovation and holds safety as our number one priority. We are encouraged to see a similar mentality in our newest Transportation Secretary, as Buttigieg has been known to embody those values throughout his time as Mayor of South Bend, Indiana. In fact, the City is a member of AUVSI and joined our ranks under Mayor Pete’s leadership in 2018. That is not surprising to anyone who knows the 39-year-old former Navy intelligence officer – he has been on the record touting the benefits of autonomous systems in a variety of contexts.
Congratulations to General Austin on his Confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Defense
This morning, retired Army General Lloyd Austin was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Defense, and AUVSI offers him and his family our warm congratulations.
Secretary Austin comes to the job with a very impressive resume, marked by several key accomplishments: he was the first Black commander of CENTCOM, the first Black Vice Chief of Staff for the Army, and is now the first Black Secretary of Defense. While serving in the Army, Sec. Austin led every Army formation from platoon-sized elements to a full combatant command, and as a brigadier general deployed to Iraq in 2003, he famously carried an M4 service rifle instead of the traditional general’s service weapon.
Good Drone News in the Empire State
Recently, Assembly Bill 1439 was introduced in the New York State Assembly with the goal of inserting language related to unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones, into existing state vehicle and traffic laws. The bill’s sponsor is Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, a Democrat from New York’s 129th Assembly District, and AUVSI applauds him for taking this important step.
AUVSI President and CEO Brian Wynne Reappointed to FAA Drone Advisory Committee and Management Advisory Committee
Last week, it was announced that AUVSI President and CEO Brian Wynne was reappointed to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Drone Advisory Committee (DAC) for another two-year term, allowing him to continue lending his experience and leadership to this important public-private advisory group.
Introducing: Assuring Autonomy
Welcome to AUVSI’s new blog, titled Assuring Autonomy. That brand may sound familiar, as our CEO and President Brian Wynne rolled out a video series spotlighting leaders within the unmanned systems industry under the same name in the summer of 2020. However, since the quest to increase knowledge about and familiarity with unmanned systems will be many-pronged in nature, the Assuring Autonomy brand will now encompass this blog as well as future iterations of educational videos.
FAA announces Remote ID and operations over people final rules for UAS
On Monday, December 28, 2020, the FAA announced two final rules for UAS. The new rules will require Remote Identification (Remote ID) of drones and allow small UAS operators to fly over people and at night under certain conditions.
Tacoma passes resolution supporting responsible recreational drone use
In September, the Tacoma, Washington City Council passed Resolution 40658 supporting responsible recreational drone use in Tacoma. The resolution directs the City Manager to establish a point of reference on the city's website connecting Tacoma community members to federally established laws and regulations, as well as recommended best practices.
Coronavirus Relief Package: What Unmanned Systems Businesses Need to Know
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law last week and created the Paycheck Protection Program, a $349 billion federal initiative that provides forgivable loans to blunt the impact of the virus by helping employers to maintain their payrolls. Join AUVSI and Wiley to learn how many of the CARES Act’s provisions can aid your business in making difficult decisions as we all contend with the effects of social distancing.
Speakers:
Tom Antonucci – Partner, Wiley
Brian Wynne – President & CEO, AUVSI
Registration:
Registration is free for all attendees. Register now to save your spot.
Webinar: Friday, April 3, 2020, 2:00 - 3:00 PM, ET, Coronavirus Relief Package: What Unmanned Systems Businesses Need to Know
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law last week and created the Paycheck Protection Program, a $349 billion federal initiative that provides forgivable loans to blunt the impact of the virus by helping employers to maintain their payrolls. Join AUVSI and Wiley to learn how many of the CARES Act’s provisions can aid your business in making difficult decisions as we all contend with the effects of social distancing.