AUVSI launches “Drone Prepared” campaign to get states ready for booming drone industry

The launch of “Drone Prepared,” a multi-state initiative to assist legislators in ensuring that their state or locality is prepared for the advantages that unmanned and autonomous flight will bring to their communities, was announced by the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI).

Commercial drone operations currently provide the American public important services, and they have the potential to help local economies, workforces, and the environment at the same time.

Infrastructure inspections, package delivery, wireless internet and mobile communication, agricultural surveys, and many more commercial drone activities are examples.

First Responders everywhere who work for Search and Rescue, firefighting, and Police agencies are also using drones to save lives.

Be “drone prepared” because drones are coming!

Numerous businesses use drones to conduct their business, and in the years to come, the sector is predicted to increase significantly.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there are 869,000 drones registered as of October 2022, with over 300,000 of them being used for commercial purposes; 2.49 million drones will be in use by 2025.

“State, local, and tribal governments have a key role to play in the growing drone economy and the Drone Prepared campaign provides critical resources for communities to understand the complex, evolving industry and begin preparing in ways that will welcome the industry, and its benefits, to their geographies.” said Michael Healander, President & CEO at Airspace Link, an AUVSI Premium Member. 

AUVSI will work with its extensive network of chapters and local activists to inform policymakers at the state, municipal, and tribal levels on how they can be ready for this rise in drones in a manner that benefits the economy, the environment, and the workforce.

The campaign will also make use of influential figures in the field, form alliances with other partners, publish research, and provide suggestions for solutions endorsed by the sector.

During the 2023 legislative sessions, AUVSI will support proposals in states nationwide to achieve drone preparedness which:

• (1) Promote drone use for public benefit;

• (2) Recognize the authority of the Federal Aviation Administration over airspace navigation and safety;

• (3) Leverage existing laws that already address concerns like privacy and trespass; and

• (4) Promote technology neutrality.

“In Texas, small business owners and large corporations alike are eager to leverage drones and take advantage of the many benefits they provide. AUVSI Lone Star – and our other chapters throughout the nation – look forward to working closely with lawmakers to implement legislation that fosters the continued growth of this exciting industry,” said Adrian Doko, AUVSI Lone Star Chapter President and CEO of Imperial Aerial, Inc. 

Michael Smitsky, Director, Government Affairs at AUVSI, said: “The potential for expansion of commercial drone operations remains tremendous. We welcome opportunities to share with lawmakers how they can unlock scalable, secure and sustainable commercial drone operations that will benefit their communities – while maintaining the highest levels of airspace safety and regulatory compliance.” 

Drone Prepared partners include AUVSI's Air Advocacy Committee members, including Airspace Link, Echodyne, and Aura Network Systems; the Drone Service Providers Alliance; and Wiley Rein LLP. Learn more about Drone Prepared at droneprepared.org.