By Scott Howe
Each year, the Commercial UAV Expo sessions that focus on drone policy and regulations draw big crowds and spark intense conversation and debate. That’s because understanding what’s happening with drone regulation is critical to the planning and execution of all commercial drone operations, and Expo attendees truly value the chance to gain insights from FAA officials, members of other regulatory bodies, and experts on aviation law.
This year, to help UAV industry professionals and advocates stay current with the ever-changing world of drone rules and regulations, Commercial UAV Expo 2024 is offering a dedicated Drone Policy Track. Sessions in this track will explore the big regulatory issues surrounding our industry—BVLOS and Part 108, counter-UAS systems, waivers and exemptions, and more.
Here are just a few of the questions that will be explored and answered in multiple ways at the Expo:
1. What is the FAA’s strategy for drone integration?
The Drone Policy Update will give attendees the chance to hear first-hand from FAA officials about the growing and evolving set of rules that define commercial drone operations in the US. Moderator Lisa Ellman, Executive Director of the Commercial Drone Alliance, will share the stage with three FAA officials: Tim Arel, Chief Operating Officer – Air Traffic Organization, Jeffrey Vincent, Executive Director of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Office, and Brandon Roberts, Executive Director of the Office of Rulemaking. Attendees will hear about the critical developments and challenges that are informing the creation of commercial drone regulations, and they will get insights into exactly when we will we see the policy changes that will impact how drones can be leveraged at scale.
2. How is the government balancing safety and security with technological innovation?
One of the major issues facing the evolving UAV industry involves striking the right balance between technological innovation and public safety and security. At Commercial UAV Expo, the Innovation, Safety and Security: Complementary or in Conflict? session will explore the ways the White House, Department of Homeland Security, FAA, other federal agency entities work to create that balance and keep our industry moving ahead. Moderated by Jeff Cole, CEO of Hidden Level, the event will offer insights from Steve Willoughby of the Department of Homeland Security and the FAA’s Micah Campbell.
3. Where do things stand with Part 108 and Beyond Visual Line of Site (BVLOS) rules?
One of the hottest topics at Commercial UAV Expo will surely be “Part 108,” the highly anticipated FAA regulation covering flights beyond the visual range of the operator. An announcement on Part 108 is coming soon, and Expo attendees will be eager to know how the ruling will impact current drone operations and how it may enable commercial drone use to scale across use cases. Join Jarrett Larrow of the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Office, Safety and Integration Division, Implementation Branch at the Part 108 Brief session to find out where things stand—and where things are headed.
4. What are the primary hurdles associated with drone security and counter-UAS systems?
Challenges posed by “rogue” drones continue to threaten public safety and plague advancements in our industry. Fortunately, many successful counter-drone solutions and frameworks have been created to mitigate threats. Learn about latest advances in counter-UAS programs, rules and regulations, and more at the Drone Security and Counter Drone session. Moderated by Michael Robbins, President & Chief Executive Officer at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), the session will feature Mary-Lou Smulders of Dedrone, Grant Jordan, CEO of SkySafe, Steve Willoughby from the Department of Homeland Security, and Micah Campbell from the FAA.
5. How can you best navigate the FAA’s waiver and exemption processes?
Until we have the FAA’s new Part 108 rule, commercial UAV operators will need to obtain waivers and exemptions on a case-by-case basis from the FAA for BVLOS flights. With this in mind, Commercial UAV Expo offers Ask the FAA: Advice from the Reviewers. Hosted by Matt Clark, Counsel at Hogan Lovells, this session is designed to help operators best use the Part 107 waiver and 44807 exemption process, learn how to make a solid safety case for complex operations, prepare a successful application, and much more. FAA officials will be on-hand to answer your questions and provide guidance.
If you’re interested in learning more about these topics at Commercial UAV Expo 2024, use this link register or see the entire conference program here.
