GAO Says FAA Should Improve Approach to Integrating Drones into the
National Airspace System
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is
responsible for safely integrating drones into the national airspace system—a
complex network that includes airports, aircraft, and air traffic control
facilities. FAA has developed various planning documents to manage its drone
integration efforts but has not developed a comprehensive strategy.
GAO found that FAA’s documents partially include
four of the seven elements of a comprehensive strategy but do not include the
remaining three elements. For example, FAA’s documents describe activities that
are completed, under way, and planned. However, the documents do not identify
drone integration goals and objectives and partially include milestones and
performance measures for all activities.
FAA officials stated they are developing a drone
integration strategy. However, the strategy’s release has been delayed multiple
times, and whether the strategy will provide a comprehensive approach is
unclear. Establishing a strategy with all key elements is critical to FAA’s
ability to effectively manage its drone integration efforts.
FAA has not clearly communicated: how drone
operators’ requests to conduct advanced operations can meet specific
requirements or what is FAA’s process for reviewing and approving those
requests. Currently, drone operators seeking to conduct advanced operations not
allowed under existing rules must submit operational requests by applying for
waivers or exemptions to conduct these operations (see example in fig.).
However, more than half of 15 industry
stakeholders told GAO that FAA has not clearly communicated the requirements it
looks for when reviewing and approving advanced operations. As a result, they
faced challenges working with multiple FAA offices on these requests. For
example, stakeholders said they experienced lengthy reviews of their requests,
and at times received conflicting information from different FAA offices.
FAA officials said that they recognize that their
process for reviewing operational requests is complex and that they plan to
take steps to improve FAA’s guidance. By more clearly communicating how to
satisfy FAA’s requirements and FAA’s process for reviewing operational
requests, applicants could be better positioned to provide FAA with the quality
information needed to assess these requests.
Drone Operations Allowed under Part 107 Regulations and with a Waiver
aPilots may fly at night if they have completed an initial knowledge
test or training under 14 C.F.R. § 107.65 after April 6, 2021. In addition, the
drone must have lighted anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute
miles that has a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision. 14 C.F.R. §
107.29.
Why GAO Did This Study
Drones can provide significant social and economic
benefits. For example, drones can be used to inspect infrastructure, aid in
disaster and wildfire response, and deliver medical supplies.
GAO was asked to review FAA’s efforts to integrate
drones into the national airspace system. This report examines, among other
issues, the extent to which: (1) FAA’s approach to managing its drone
integration efforts is consistent with key elements for a comprehensive
strategy and (2) FAA has clearly communicated its requirements and process for
reviewing and approving operational requests.
GAO analyzed FAA’s planning documents and reports.
GAO interviewed FAA officials, eight participants in one of FAA’s pilot
programs, and 15 industry groups, representing manufacturers, operators, and
others. GAO selected industry stakeholders due to their participation in FAA
pilot programs and rulemaking advisory committees, among other factors.
Recommendations
GAO is making four recommendations, including that
FAA: (1) develop a drone integration strategy that includes all elements of a
comprehensive strategy and (2) evaluate its current documentation to identify
options to more clearly communicate how applicants can satisfy drone
operational request requirements and FAA’s process for reviewing and approving
operational requests. FAA concurred with GAO’s recommendations.
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