AOPA to serve on key drone committee

The panel will be headed by Intel CEO Brian Krzanich and includes drone and manned aircraft operators, manufacturers, academics, and retail and technology companies.

“Drones are becoming an increasingly important part of our aviation environment, and it’s vitally important that we get it right when it comes to integrating them into the National Airspace System,” said Melissa Rudinger, AOPA vice president of government affairs. “We’re pleased that AOPA has been selected to represent the needs and interests of the general aviation community and we look forward to working with a wide range of stakeholders to identify opportunities and find win-win solutions to the challenges associated with the growing use of unmanned aircraft.”

The first meeting of the new committee is set for Sept. 16.

In addition to AOPA, the committee includes representatives of the media; commercial aviation; and the railroad, avionics, and UAS manufacturing industries; as well as representatives from academia; city and county governments; UAS user groups; airport operators; the Air Line Pilots Association; the National Air Traffic Controllers Association; and the Helicopter Association International. Facebook, Google X, and UPS are also represented.

AOPA has played a significant role in drone-related issues, serving on the small UAS Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) from the time it was chartered in 2008. AOPA also has served on the FAA’s UAS Registration Task Force ARC and the Micro UAS ARC.