UNCREWED UPDATE from AUVSI
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024: Key Highlights for
Drones and Advanced Air Mobility
The U.S. Congress recently approved, and President Biden signed into law, the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act. The bipartisan legislation reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through Fiscal Year 2028. It requires the FAA to take actions on drone operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and powered lift aircraft, along with dozens of other provisions that will move the industry forward safely.
In the months and years ahead, the uncrewed and advanced aviation industries will be closely tracking key Congressional mandates:
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)
The law requires the FAA to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking within four months, then a final rule within 16 months that establishes acceptable levels of risk for BVLOS operations and provides an approvals process.
With an increasing number of industries relying on drones for their operations – and significant growth expected in the AAM industry in the years ahead – the uncrewed systems industry broadly agrees that enabling routine operations BVLOS is critical for high-value uses. Examples include inspections and surveying, package delivery, public safety missions, and disaster response.
Drone Inspection Grants and Educational Programs
The FAA Reauthorization Act establishes a grant program to support the use of drones when inspecting, repairing, or constructing critical infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will award grants to state, tribal and local governments to purchase and use drones to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve worker safety. The law also directs DOT to establish a grant program for educational institutions conducting UAS workforce training.
Drones are being relied on as indispensable tools for infrastructure inspections, and government investments in the industry and workforce will support U.S. leadership in this key area.
22 May/June 2024 Powered Lift Aircraft
The FAA Reauthorization Act requires the FAA to issue a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for the operations of powered- lift aircraft within seven months, which will help to meaningfully move the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry forward. The law supports type-specific training and qualification for pilots, which will support the safety of early AAM operations.
AAM Infrastructure
The FAA Reauthorization Act makes it clear that existing infrastructure, in concert with new infrastructure, is eligible for grants under the previously established AAM Infrastructure Pilot Program. It also extends the Pilot Program for two years, through 2026.
Get Insights at the Drone and AAM Symposium
Want to learn more about topics that will impact the future of the integration of drones and AAM into the national airspace system?
On July 30–Aug. 1 in Baltimore, the FAA Drone and AAM Symposium will bring together representatives from the FAA, other government agencies, international aviation experts, industry leaders, and academia to delve into the importance of connectivity and integration in advanced aviation. It’s designed specifically for the drone and AAM communities.
The event will provide an exclusive look at the evolving landscape of drone and AAM technologies, with topics including drone regulations, UAS detection and mitigation, infrastructure, and complex operations.
Now is the time to get answers on what’s next for policies and regulations, make progress on your goals while also helping advance wider adoption and integration, and grow your network with others who share the same interest in UAS and AAM. Register now.
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