The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA), an independent 501c6 non-profit organization led by members of the commercial drone industry, made an announcement today. Lisa Ellman, the Executive Director of CDA, has been appointed to the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Detection and Mitigation Systems Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC). In her capacity as a representative of CDA, Ellman will collaborate with the ARC in providing recommendations to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the seamless integration of counter-UAS (CUAS) systems throughout the United States. The primary objective is to ensure the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS). Ellman will co-lead Working Group I, titled “Wider Ecosystem and Public Interests,” within the ARC. This group will delve into societal concerns related to the broader implementation of CUAS systems.

The safety, security, efficiency, sustainability, and equity benefits of commercial drones are significant, and UAS are already enhancing lives in communities around the world. However, here in the U.S., policymaking has lagged behind technology. The CDA has worked for years with federal government officials, industry stakeholders, and others to promote solutions that enable the safe and secure integration of UAS into the NAS.

The CDA acknowledges the shared commitment of the government, industry, and the public to safeguard against potential threats to public safety and homeland security posed by unauthorized or rogue Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). The organization firmly believes that innovation and security are interconnected and equally important aspects of the same objective.

In alignment with this objective, the CDA is delighted to extend its support to the crucial endeavors of the CUAS ARC. This committee serves as a platform for collaboration among the U.S. aviation community and stakeholders involved in UAS security. Its primary goal is to develop a comprehensive plan that spans the National Airspace System (NAS) for certifying, permitting, authorizing, or facilitating the deployment of technologies or systems designed to detect and mitigate UAS threats. Furthermore, the ARC will identify opportunities for new rulemaking and internal policy and guidance development to ensure effective oversight by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Additionally, prominent CDA members, including Amazon Prime Air, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Dedrone, DroneResponders, Florida Power & Light, Hidden Level, Honeywell, NUAIR, SkySafe, Skydio, and Wing, have received invitations to actively participate in this critical process.

“Full integration of drones into the National Airspace System is necessary for the United States to fully realize the significant life-saving, economic, and societal benefits of commercial drones,” said Lisa Ellman, CDA’s Executive Director. “As the drone industry works with the federal government to scale operations across the country, security concerns related to the potential misuse of the technology must also be addressed. I’m honored to represent the CDA and look forward to working closely with the other members of the ARC to recommend counter-UAS policies that will help usher in the next era of advanced aviation.”

Post Image- Aerial View of Las Vegas Airport (Image Credit: envatoelements by statuslapa)

Other Recent FAA ARC News:

FAA UAS Detection and Mitigation ARC Announced

AUVSI Leadership to Co-Chair New C-UAS ARC

Counter-UAS Use Cases Wanted for FAA ARC