FAA plans to track all drone flights
The Federal Aviation Administration plans to track almost all civilian operated drones.
Sweeping new rules have been proposed which would create a nationwide tracking network of all airborne drones weighing more than 0.55 pounds that would have to broadcast their position and the operator’s identity.
There will be some exceptions such as model airplanes but it would cover all urban and rural areas.
The FAA says it will help better manage the skies against possible collisions with commercial aircraft and terrorist threats.
The draft rules will be subject to public consultation and moves for comprehensive drone tracking have been pushed by Homeland Security and law enforcement agencies for some time.
It’s a controversial move which will inevitably lead to privacy concerns and accusations of state surveillance of individuals.
"This is an important building block in the unmanned traffic management ecosystem," the FAA said in the draft proposal.
For operators to fly drones without restriction they will be required to broadcast their identity on a radio frequency and upload their ID data via the internet.
If or when the draft regulations are signed into law, they would only become effective after three years.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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