On Friday, February 3, 2012, the U.S. House passed a reauthorization bill for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). As part of that bill, a series of deadlines were included that will facilitate introduction of commercial drones into U.S. airspace by September 2015 (six test sites will be operational by June 2012). Final approval of the bill by both houses is expected by mid-month. To read this news as reported by the Wall Street Journal, go here.
Comment: To be certain, drones will be a point of controversy about the Geospatial Revolution going forward. No more had the FAA funding bill passed the House, than the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) pronounced with great alarm that allowing commercial drones to fly in U.S airspace would be a serious threat to aviation safety.
However, ALPA's concerns are just the tip of the iceberg. On reflecting on drone use in war, a recent New York Times editorial went so far as to opine drones could be undermining the principles of American democracy.
Stay tuned - way more to come on this one.
Other posts on this blog about drones include:
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