Statement of the Hon. Alma Adams
“Opportunity Rising: the FAA’s New Regulatory Framework for Commercial Drone Operations”
September 27, 2016
Thank you, Mr. Chairman for holding this important hearing.
As we have progressed further into the 21st century technology has become increasingly sophisticated. The development of said technology has brought new opportunities to the United States and global economy, which provides exciting new pathways on the road to innovation.
At the forefront of a new pathway that will innovate our economy is the commercial use of drones in civilian life. Drones, which have been mainly used in military intervention, are now at a level of sophistication to be used at the commercial level.
With these new developments there must be more serious discussions and dialogue concerning how drones will impact civilian life. Civilians have, and will continue to have, more and more interactions and uses for drones in their daily lives for personal and commercial use- which has pushed this issue to the forefront of importance and relevance.
Civilian drone usage offers aerial information and transportation services that are time and cost-efficient, with potential in several markets. More specifically, the commercial application of drones is vast and of particular interest to small businesses.
The proposed FAA regulations appear to be beneficial not only for our overall economy, but in particular for small institutions. The proposed regulations state the UAS must be less than 55 pounds with flight limited to 500 feet altitude at a maximum speed of 100 mph.
Flights are limited to daylight and visual line-of-sight operations. Objects may not be dropped from the UAS. UAS are not subject to airworthiness and aircraft certification that apply to manned aircrafts. Once the rule is finalized, the FAA estimates that more than 7,000 businesses will obtain drone permits within three years.
Mr. Chairman, I hope this hearing is a forum in which we as members of Congress can learn more about these regulations and their lasting implications on our economy.
