CEO DATELINE - Airline groups seek tighter regulation of drones
CEO DATELINE - Airline groups seek tighter regulation of drones
- February 14, 2018 |
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Walt Williams
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Three associations representing different sectors of the airline industry are asking lawmakers to give the Federal Aviation Administration greater flexibility in regulating aerial drones, saying the devices could pose a threat to passenger and cargo aircraft.
In a Feb. 12 letter to members of Congress, the Air Lines Pilots Association, Airlines for America and National Air Traffic Controllers Association pointed to a widely shared online video in which a drone comes within close proximity of a passenger airline as the plane is landing in Las Vegas. FAA is investigating the incident, according to news reports.
"Small drones are very difficult to visually acquire by pilots in flight or by air traffic controllers in the tower, and small drones do not currently have electronic anti-collision technologies that are compatible with airline collision avoidance systems," the three associations said.
Lawmakers have exempted many hobby drones from regulations requiring installation of such technology. The groups urged Congress to lift the restrictions.
"The likelihood that a drone will collide with an airline aircraft is increasing," they said. "By providing the FAA with the full authority to regulate all (unmanned aerial system) operations, the safety of passenger and cargo flights will be protected." http://bit.ly/2HeXrVH
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, which represents drone manufacturers, issued a separate statement expressing "deep concerns" about the video that prompted the letter.
"All UAS operators need to understand their aircraft, stay well-clear of manned aircraft and adhere to the law," CEO Brian Wynne said. "AUVSI supports strict enforcement against careless and reckless operators who endanger the safety of the airspace and violate the law." http://bit.ly/2EGnYwt
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