Aerial Northwest - Make Your Voice Heard - Drone Policy Input Needed Now

As drone pilots, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts, we often talk about staying ahead of industry trends. But how many of us actively participate in shaping the policies that impact our profession? The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has released an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) that directly involves unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This notice represents an opportunity for drone pilots to take action and play a role in crafting the future of UAV security and privacy in the United States.

What Is an ANPRM?

A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) is a preliminary step that a government entity takes before establishing a formal rule. In this case, the ANPRM doesn’t yet propose specific regulations but seeks input from industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, operators, and other participants. The feedback collected will inform future decisions about information and communications technology (ICT) and services linked to drones, especially those designed, manufactured, or controlled by foreign adversaries.

Understanding an ANPRM’s significance is crucial for drone pilots and businesses. It is an invitation to participate in the regulatory process, enabling stakeholders to provide real-world insights that may prevent overly restrictive rules or help address national security concerns effectively.

Why Your Input Matters

This ANPRM seeks information on a range of topics, such as:

Data management practices.
The role of ICT in UAS operations.
Critical infrastructure inspections.
Potential tradeoffs of restricting resale or rental of drones and components tied to foreign adversaries.

The questions posed are comprehensive and touch on areas that many drone pilots can address. For instance, one key question asks about the implications of banning the resale or rental of drones made by entities associated with foreign adversaries. This is an area where individual operators, small businesses, and large-scale companies alike can provide valuable insights.

The outcome of this process has far-reaching implications. Decisions made today could affect market accessibility, innovation, and operational costs for years to come. By contributing, you’re ensuring that the voices of operators are part of the decision-making process, safeguarding the industry’s interests and future growth.

How to Contribute Effectively

Your contribution to this process is not just an exercise in civic engagement; it’s a strategic move to ensure the industry’s growth aligns with operator needs. Here’s how to make your voice count:

Stay Relevant: Only address questions directly related to the ANPRM. Irrelevant comments are likely to be discarded.
Be Thorough: Clearly explain your operations, your role in the industry, and how specific questions apply to your experience. For example, if you perform critical infrastructure inspections, describe your workflows and data security measures.
Highlight Tradeoffs: If you’re answering the question about restricting certain UAS transactions, discuss potential benefits, risks, and unintended consequences. For instance, how might such rules affect your business or your access to technology?
Collaborate: Engage with other operators and industry groups to develop well-rounded responses that reflect shared concerns and priorities.
Be Professional: Write your comments with clarity and respect. Remember that your feedback contributes to a formal process that affects multiple stakeholders.
Include Evidence: Where possible, back your points with data or specific examples from your operations. This adds weight to your arguments and demonstrates their practical relevance.

Why Participation Is a Business Growth Strategy

Taking action in response to the ANPRM is not just about regulatory compliance; it’s about being an active participant in the industry’s evolution. Policies shaped today will determine the competitive landscape tomorrow. By contributing, you’re ensuring that the rules governing UAS operations reflect the realities of operators like you.

Engaging in this process also allows you to network with peers and industry leaders. Discussions around policy can lead to collaborations, new insights, and shared strategies for overcoming common challenges. It’s an opportunity to align your business objectives with broader industry goals.

Where to Begin

The full text of the ANPRM is available on the Federal Register: ANPRM on UAS Security and Privacy. Review it carefully and identify questions that resonate with your expertise and operations. Craft thoughtful, concise responses and submit them promptly.

Additionally, consider joining webinars, forums, or workshops where the ANPRM is discussed. These platforms can provide valuable insights into the nuances of the proposed questions and help you refine your response

The Takeaway

Drone pilots are more than operators; we’re stakeholders in a rapidly growing industry. The ANPRM offers a chance to voice our perspectives and ensure that future policies consider our unique challenges and contributions. By taking action now, we’re not only protecting our businesses but also fostering a regulatory environment that supports innovation and growth.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make an impact. Take the first step, engage with the ANPRM, and help shape the future of drone operations in the U.S.

The decisions made today will echo throughout the industry’s future. By contributing to the ANPRM, you’re not just influencing policy—you’re driving the narrative for drone technology’s integration into society. Let’s take action and build a thriving, secure, and innovative future for UAS.

If you have any questions, let us know! If you’d like to hire us, you can get more information here.

Written by: Tony Marino, MBA – FAA Certified Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot and Chief Business Strategist at Aerial Northwest

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.