In a hearing before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Aviation, Michael Robbins, President and CEO of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), outlined critical updates and challenges in implementing the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. His testimony emphasized the urgent need for regulatory clarity, workforce development, and infrastructure modernization to secure U.S. leadership in the rapidly evolving drone and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industries. Below, we break down three important themes from Robbins’ remarks.
1. Delays in Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Regulations Threaten Industry Growth
A central focus of Robbins’ testimony was the missed deadline for issuing a proposed rule on BVLOS operations, which would allow drones to fly beyond an operator’s direct sight. Congress mandated the FAA to release this rule—dubbed Part 108—by September 16, 2024, but delays at the Department of Transportation (DOT) and White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) have stalled progress.
Robbins stressed that BVLOS capabilities are essential for scaling applications like infrastructure inspections, emergency response, and package delivery. Without a clear regulatory pathway, companies face costly, case-by-case approvals that hinder investment and innovation. While the FAA has accelerated BVLOS waivers for specific uses (e.g., public safety), Robbins urged Congress to push for immediate publication of the draft rule and a streamlined process to finalize it by mid-2026.
2. Regulatory Modernization Is Key to Competing Globally
Robbins highlighted systemic delays in FAA rulemaking, which risk ceding U.S. leadership to overseas competitors. He praised provisions in the Reauthorization Act aimed at improving transparency, such as:
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Section 202: Creating an Office of Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement to prioritize critical regulations.
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Section 932: Streamlining approvals for third-party service providers (e.g., drone traffic management systems).
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Section 936: Prohibiting federal contracts for drones made in China due to cybersecurity risks.
However, he noted slow progress on forming advisory committees (Sections 229 and 916) and finalizing rules for Remote ID compliance and detection technologies. Only 50% of drones currently comply with Remote ID, undermining airspace safety: which Robbins noted is evidence that the rule is not working as intended.
3. Workforce and Infrastructure Investments Are Critical to Scaling Operations
The testimony underscored the need to build a skilled workforce and modernize infrastructure to support drone and AAM integration. Key programs include:
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Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant (DIIG) Program: Authorized but not yet funded, this initiative would help governments use drones for safer, cheaper infrastructure inspections.
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Drone Education and Workforce Training Grants: AUVSI advocates for full funding to support community colleges and universities training future operators.
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Know Before You Fly (KBYF): Extended through 2028, this program educates pilots on safety and compliance.
Robbins also emphasized the UAS Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI), which has prepared over 1,600 operators at 140 institutions. He urged the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate CTI’s effectiveness and expand partnerships with minority-serving schools.
A Call for Sustained Oversight and Collaboration
Robbins concluded by applauding Congress for its bipartisan support of the FAA Reauthorization Act but stressed that consistent oversight is needed to ensure timely implementation. Delays in rulemaking, uneven compliance, and underfunded programs risk stifling an industry projected to contribute billions to the U.S. economy and create thousands of jobs.
For stakeholders, the path forward requires:
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Immediate action on BVLOS regulations.
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Modernized air traffic systems to manage low-altitude drone operations.
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Investments in workforce training and detection technologies.
President Trump is widely expected to sign executive orders related to drone technology today, June 4, with experts speculating that the President may act to move BVLOS regulations forward, and outlets including the Washington Post and the National Review positing that the President may be planning to limit the import of Chinese-manufactured drones.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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