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Flying Drones May Soon Fill The Air Under Certain Circumstances
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through the National Association of Counties (NACo)'s website.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao proposes a rule that would allow drone operators to fly their devices at night and above crowds without special waivers, if certain conditions are met. The rule is expected to be officially proposed in May 2019. Counties are responsible for ensuring public safety and privacy in our communities, including addressing these concerns related to the use of drone technology.
In a speech to attendees at the Transportation Research Board’s annual meeting, Secretary Chao said the proposed rule would allow drone operators to fly devices at night and above crowds without special waivers, if certain conditions are met. Those conditions include requiring drone operators to have appropriate training and using tested and approved drones that have anti-collision lighting. Secretary Chao stated the proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register this spring. As stated by NACo writer Jessica Jennings & Zach George, "Counties are responsible for ensuring public safety and privacy in our communities, including addressing these concerns related to the use of drone technology." In her remarks, Secretary Chao also committed to developing additional rules to address the public safety, security and privacy concerns related to drones. In response to public concerns, especially those at the local level, DOT has pledged to publish a separate but related rule that will establish identification requirements for drones and operators.
For the full article on NACo, click here.
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