AUVSI: FAA Reauthorization Extension Advances UAS R&D, Enhances Safety

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Measure will pave the way for expanded operations, full UAS integration

ARLINGTON, Va. – Brian Wynne, president and CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), today issued the following statement on the proposed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization extension.

“The FAA extension represents another positive step forward for the commercial UAS industry, advancing UAS research, expanding commercial operations and enhancing the safety of the national airspace for all users – manned and unmanned.

"Notably, the bill calls for the creation of a comprehensive UAS research and development roadmap, something our organization has long championed to coordinate industry and government R&D initiatives. The bill also outlines a pilot program for unmanned traffic management (UTM) and expands the section 333 exemption process to allow for beyond line of sight operations, both long-standing AUVSI priorities.

“While this measure will provide some short-term stability, it’s critical that Congress pass a long-term bill next year that will set the industry and the country on a glide path to reap all of the benefits of UAS. The extension is a good start, and AUVSI is hopeful that the measures contained within it will pave the way for a true, holistic plan for full UAS integration that goes further and higher, including beyond line of sight operations, flights over people, access to higher altitudes and platforms above 55 pounds.”

In 2015, Wynne testified before the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology calling for a deeper national commitment to UAS research and development. Specifically, Wynne called for a comprehensive industry-government UAS research plan, more resources for the federal government to coordinate UAS research, and intellectual property protections for the companies that participate in UAS R&D.

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The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) — the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of unmanned systems and robotics — represents more than 7,500 members from more than 60 countries involved in the fields of government, industry and academia. AUVSI members work in the defense, civil and commercial markets.