Sens. Markey, Thune seek FAA rule to counter unauthorized drone flights

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In a letter issued this week, U.S. Sens. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) requested the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issue a rule that allows remote identification of drones and their operators by anyone.

In this way, the senators believe they could begin fighting unauthorized drone use in sensitive areas, such as near airports or large gatherings. It would be the beginnings of a safety and security push on an industry that has only come into prominence in the last few years.

“In recent months, a series of UAS sightings in safety-sensitive areas have underscored the need to quickly adopt and implement remote identification,” the senators wrote in a letter to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. “Remote identification will enhance safety, security, and privacy, and serve as a critical tool for law enforcement to respond to and address reports of illegal and unauthorized drone operations.”

Of concern to the senators is the fact that the FAA has failed to develop and release regulations or guidelines on drones, even though a law was passed three years ago ordering the department to do so by July 2018. Nearly a year overdue, the FAA has pushed back a notice of proposed rulemaking on the subject to July 21 this year.

Such concerns have been amplified following several high profile cases of drone sightings in unauthorized areas. In one case, a drone spotted at London’s Gatwick Airport grounded more than 1,000 flights, while another drone flight over Massachusetts’ Fenway Park during a Boston Red Sox game set law enforcement on edge.