Last Thursday, experts from the Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA), Hogan Lovells, and the US House of Representatives explored the provisions of the recently passed FAA reauthorization bill. The webinar, “Scaling Commercial Drone Operations: FAA Reauthorization Paves the Way,” focused on the legislation’s potential impact on the commercial drone industry.

Moderated by Michael Bell, a partner at Hogan Lovells, the event presented perspectives on the 1,000+ page bill from:

  • Andrew Giacini, Professional Staff, Subcommittee on Aviation, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, US House of Representatives
  • Alexandra Menardy, Professional Staff, Subcommittee on Aviation, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, US House of Representatives
  • Elizabeth Forro, Detailee, Minority Staff, Subcommittee on Aviation, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, US House of Representatives
  • Lisa Ellman, Executive Director, Commercial Drone Alliance and Partner and Global Head UAS Practice, Hogan Lovells

During the event, the congressional staffers detailed the work that went into crafting the overall bill and targeted key areas that will impact the UAV industry. Andrew Giacini explained how there was strong bipartisan support for the drone-focused aspects of the legislation, and he lauded the “great partnership” between Congress and the FAA that enabled the bill to move forward.

Similarly, the CDA’s Lisa Ellman called the bill “critical, historic legislation” and expressed gratitude for the hard work of the congressional staffers and their colleagues in completing the legislative process.

Focusing the UAS-focused specifics of the bill, the congressional staff members commented on the ways the bill addressed aviation safety, helped address standardized rules, enabled the integration of uncrewed systems into the national airspace, encouraged workforce development, and more.

In addition, Elizabeth Forro explained how the reauthorization bill addressed issues around Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and large drone operations. She reported that the bill includes a new definition for AAM, as well as “a plan on automation” that addresses aerial vehicles of all sizes. These and other provisions of the bill, she said, bring clarity to UAS regulations and support efforts to standardize rules that could enable drone companies to scale their operations.

Ultimately, all of the webinar panelists expressed enthusiasm for the bill and encouraged drone industry stakeholders to remain engaged and provide their views and ideas through the implementation process and beyond.