In comments filed on the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) proposed rule on Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) emphasized the importance of remote ID for expanded UAS operations, and it encouraged the FAA to explore ways to incentivize early, voluntary compliance with remote ID prior to the implementation of the final rule.
AUVSI's comments offer ways the FAA can incentivize compliance even before the final rule is implemented, including prioritizing compliant operators when processing applications for those wishing to fly drones either subject to waiver under Part 107.205 or Part 135 exemption for on-demand operations; increasing airspace access for voluntarily compliant operators; or offering financial rebates for manufacturers or reimbursement for the knowledge exam taken by aspiring commercial drone pilots that have successfully completed a recognized practical training course that adheres to the remote ID standards.
In further comments on remote ID, AUVSI said in its filing to the FAA:
- Proceed concurrently with other rulemakings, such as flights over people and beyond visual line of sight operations, to avoid unnecessary delays in achieving expanded operations once the remote ID rule is finalized and implemented.
- Allow for flexibility in the technological approaches taken by drone operators and adopt performance-based rules that comply with international standards and do not include prescriptive technology requirements.
- Consider the importance of operator privacy and security and make clear that interfering with a UAS operator is a federal offense that will be penalized.
- Be mindful of international harmonization, which will allow manufacturers and operators to build to a single set of standards globally and encourage consistency and compliance.
AUVSI's full comments on the NPRM can be found
here.
