Congress aims to expand civilian drone use in America

In the United States, a new legislative proposal aimed at revolutionizing civilian drone use has been introduced. Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia presented the LIFT Act, which seeks to allow drones to operate beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) using artificial intelligence for waiver approvals. Currently, many drone operators are impeded by a complex waiver process mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has led to delays in implementing drone technology across various industries, including emergency response and agriculture. The LIFT Act aims to streamline these processes by establishing performance and safety standards for BVLOS operations and requires the Transportation Secretary to review existing aviation regulations which have historically focused on manned aircraft. This initiative reflects a growing bipartisan interest in harnessing drone technology to enhance logistics and service delivery in the U.S., especially as the nation lags behind global competitors like China in drone production. The bill not only addresses operational regulations but also proposes a pilot program that offers grants to local and state governments for their own drone initiatives, promoting a more inclusive approach to air mobility. However, amidst this optimism, safety concerns persist, particularly following a high-profile commercial plane crash in Washington, D.C., earlier this year. As a result, Kiggans emphasizes the need for well-defined regulations to ensure the safe integration of drones into national airspace while considering the operational necessities of military aviation.