United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
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.
TravelMole Editorial Team
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.
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel
Foreign Office issues travel advisory for winter sun destinations