While the FAA has warned of consequences for misuse of recreational drones, NBAA is emphasizing that the sharp increase in drone encounter reports underscores the need for clear regulations that reinforce that small unmanned aircraft systems cannot interfere with manned operations. The concern about the reports, some of which involved business and general aviation operations, is that most involve small UAS flown by recreational users rather than commercial operators flying under agency approval, said NBAA vice president for regulatory and international affairs Doug Carr. These small UASs have become widely available to non-commercial operators at hobby shops and online.

Carr urged the FAA to ensure that its upcoming rulemaking on small UAS clearly states where they can be flown. NBAA has been pushing for the FAA to limit small UAS operation to no more than 400 feet agl and ban operation in areas where manned aircraft fly, unless there is coordination between the UAS operator and ATC. The rulemaking must focus on safety of manned aircraft, NBAA emphasized. The FAA released proposed rulemaking for UASs earlier this year.

NBAA has also been watching pending legislation from Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) that would give the FAA more authority to regulate recreational drones.