Legislative Background on Domestic Drones
Recent Action by Congress on Management of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
In November 2014, the National Transportation Safety Board ruled that drones come under the legal definition of “aircraft” and are therefore subject to aviation laws and regulation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA called the decision an affirmation of its authority to “take enforcement action against anyone who operates a UAS [unmanned aircraft system] or model aircraft in a careless or reckless manner.” FAA Actions. The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 required the FAA to devise a “comprehensive plan to safely accelerate the integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace.” Congress mandated that…
