On Thursday, The House of Representatives began consideration of H.R. 4, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 – a bipartisan, five-year bill to reauthorize the programs of the Federal Aviation Administration, provide long-term stability for the Nation’s aviation community, invest in U.S. airports, and make necessary reforms to improve American competitiveness and safety in aviation. There were a number of amendments offered, focusing on drones. CompTIA submitted comments on the amendments, supporting one amendment while voicing our dissent with another.
Amendment #15 (Cramer/ND)
We are concerned that if this amendment passes, it could lead to agency overreach on matters involving using licensed, flexible use spectrum for UAS-related activities. If a study moves forward, it should have no bearing on the use of licensed spectrum for UAS activities.
Amendment #188 (Lewis/MN)
We support this amendment as the Department of Transportation’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Pilot Program is an essential component in the maturation of the UAS industry.
David Logsdon is CompTIA’s senior director of new and emerging technologies