U.S. regulators consider new drone restrictions for infrastructure and commercial use

U.S. regulatory agencies are considering new frameworks that could significantly impact the operation and availability of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has expressed support for a draft Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rule that would allow owners of critical infrastructure to request drone flight restrictions near their facilities. NAM noted that unauthorized drone operations near such sites pose risks including interference with energy and water services, fire hazards, and unauthorized surveillance. NAM has advised the FAA to ensure the framework remains risk-based, flexible for technological innovation, and minimizes administrative burdens on facility operators.

Separately, discussions regarding potential Federal Communications Commission (FCC) actions suggest a broader scope for drone restrictions. Concerns have been raised that proposed language regarding “military grade” technology could impact a wide range of commercial tools, including thermal imaging, LiDAR, docking stations, and swarming drones. Such regulations could affect various sectors, including agriculture, construction, utilities, and public safety, by influencing the import, marketing, and future replacement of specialized drone components and hardware.