The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) released its comments on the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) proposed Remote Identification Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Rule, emphasizing the importance of remote ID for expanded UAS operations, and also encouraging the FAA to explore ways to incentivize early, voluntary compliance with remote ID prior to the implementation of the final rule. This could help to determine any issues with the rule and allow the FAA to revise the rule prior to implementation.

Specifically, AUVSI suggests increasing airspace access for voluntarily compliant operators as well as offering financial rebates for manufacturers or reimbursement for drone pilots who successfully complete the knowledge exam or a practical training course that adheres to remote ID standards.

In its comments, the AUVSI also said the FAA:

• Should continue with other rulemakings (e.g., flights over people and beyond visual line of sight operations);

• Allow for flexibility in the technological approaches taken by drone operators and adopt performance-based rules that comply with international standards and do not include prescriptive technology requirements;

• Keep in mind the importance of operator privacy and security; and

• Create standards for manufacturers and operators to build to a single set of standards globally and encourage consistency and compliance.

To read AUVSI’s full comments, click here.