As reports of drone sightings near airports and other restricted areas escalate, the head of the association representing drone manufacturers is urging federal officials to expedite completion of rules that would crack down on irresponsible use of the technology.

The Federal Aviation Administration released new data Wednesday showing what it described as a dramatic increase in pilot reports of drone sightings, from 238 sightings in all of 2014 to more than 650 sightings by Aug. 9 of this year. Many of those sightings have been at altitudes above 10,000 feet, and firefighters in western states have been forced to ground their air operations for safety reasons because they spotted drones.

Brian Wynne, CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, said that new data shows the need for FAA to finalize rules for small drones—also known as unmanned aircraft systems—and to enforce regulations already on the books.

"AUVSI supports stricter enforcement of careless and reckless operators and those who violate restricted airspace," he said. "Stricter enforcement will not only punish irresponsible operators, it will also serve as a deterrent to others who may misuse the technology."

Wynne said the new rules would require drone operators to follow the safety programming of a community-based organization or abide by regulations for commercial operators. He also noted that his association is working with the FAA and Academy of Model Aeronautics on the Know Before You Fly public relations campaign, which educates drone owners about responsible flying. http://bit.ly/1J4CmWe

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