FAA, WSDOT seek feedback on proposed UAS requirements

Olympia, Wash. — The public has two chances to comment on proposed safety requirements for Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations in the nation’s airspace. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is accepting feedback directly, but the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) also welcomes public comments to help shape its agency response.

The proposed requirements address non-recreation UAS operations, including:

• Crop monitoring/inspection
• Research and development
• Educational/academic uses
• Power-line/pipeline inspection in hilly or mountainous terrain
• Antenna inspections
• Aiding certain rescue operations such as locating snow avalanche victims
• Bridge inspections
• Aerial photography
• Wildlife nesting area evaluations

The FAA also proposes changes to its regulations (known as 14 CFR) to clarify UAS categories, hours of operations, registration, certification and other requirements.