Should you be asked for a list of the industry partners who are authorized UAS Service
Suppliers for LAANC, refer those inquiries here.
On that page, you will see a section titled Approved LAANC UAS Service Supplies,
where there are hyperlinks to the approved UAS Service Suppliers. There are currently
two approved suppliers, but more are expected to be added once they've completed the
MOU process with the FAA and demonstrate that their system meets the LAANC
requirements.
14 CFR 99.7 SPECIAL SECURITY INSTRUCTIONS
Using its existing authority under 14 CFR 99.7 - Special Security Instructions, the FAA
has implemented airspace restrictions that apply specifically to UAS. The Agency
continues published flight restrictions over several Department of Defense facilities,
restricting UAS flights up to 400' AGL over these facilities. The restrictions apply to all
types and purposes of UAS flight operations and remain in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week. These sites can be viewed on an interactive map by clicking here.
The agency has also used its 14 CFR 99.7 authority to create No Drone Operating
Areas for seven Department of Energy (DOE) sites and 10 Department of Interior (DOI)
sites, including several large dams and iconic landmarks. The list of DOE sites can be
found here. The list of DOI sites can be found here.
FAA UAS SYMPOSIUM
The FAA will be hosting its third annual UAS Symposium March 6-8 in Baltimore.
NATCA Executive Vice President Trish Gilbert, Mr. Weidner, and Mr. Richards will be
attending this event.
DRONE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC)
The FAA's Drone Advisory Committee is a broad-based, long-term advisory committee
that provides the FAA with advice on key UAS integration issues by helping to identify
challenges and prioritize improvements. NATCA's Executive Vice President Trish Gilbert
is a member of the DAC. The full DAC will meet on Friday, March 9th at the MITRE
Corporation.
NATCA is also represented on the DAC Sub-Committee by Mr. Richards (Task Group 2,
Access to Airspace) and by Mr. Weidner (Task Group 3, UAS Funding). NATCA's
Deputy Director of Safety and Technology, Mark McKelligan, also assists with DAC work.
PRESIDENTIAL UAS INTEGRATION PILOT PROGRAM
Late last year, the Trump Administration announced a UAS Integration Pilot Program.
From the program announcement, "This program will seek partnerships between state,
local, and tribal government entities and private industry to gather operational and other
data from advanced operational concepts, such as flights over people and package
delivery. It will also enable state, local, and tribal entities to determine what kind of pilot
program activities, subject to FAA oversight, will occur in their respective jurisdictions."
The DOT and FAA are expected to make their selections for this program in the next few
weeks. The entities selected and the ideas proposed will dictate how these pilot
programs may affect air traffic. Mr. Richards and Mr. Weidner will be working closely
with the agency as these efforts progress.
