Clearing the Skies: FAA Sheds Light on Local Drone Regulation with Updated Fact Sheet

In a move that ends years of ambiguity, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has unveiled new guidelines on the regulation of drones at federal, state, and local levels. This recent development emerged almost a decade after the agency’s last significant update on the subject.

The Heart of the Update

On July 14, 2023, the FAA’s Office of the Chief Counsel released a revised Fact Sheet, which serves as a successor to its 2015 predecessor. This document delves deep into the rights of federal and local authorities regarding the regulation of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS, or drones).

The FAA stated, “Congress has long vested the FAA with broad and exclusive legal authority to regulate airspace use, management, safety, and more.” The 2012 Congress directive called on the FAA to weave drones seamlessly into the national airspace fabric. Given the rapid rise of drone technology and its diverse applications, local bodies began questioning their role in its regulation. This led to the creation of the 2015 Fact Sheet.

Over the past few years, as drone usage surged, the need for clearer boundaries became evident. The updated Fact Sheet is designed to offer clarity, especially as state and local jurisdictions continued their exploration into drone regulation. One key point it emphasizes is the FAA’s sole jurisdiction over aviation safety and efficient airspace use. In direct terms, local governments attempting to regulate these areas are overstepping their bounds.

New in 2023

While there are echoes of the 2015 document in the latest release, notable changes include a more definitive stance on federal authority. Where the 2015 sheet hinted at possible state and local regulatory actions, the 2023 version stands firm on the FAA’s jurisdiction. It now specifically details the extent of federal preemption in drone regulation and clarifies misconceptions.

For instance, the Fact Sheet asserts that the FAA oversees “airspace efficiency for UAS at low altitudes” just as it does for manned flights at higher elevations. It also tackles the thorny issue of where drones can fly, stating that “navigable airspace” extends right down to the ground. Furthermore, the FAA highlights laws that may be preempted at state or local levels, especially those that impact commercial drone operations.

Where Local Bodies Stand

While the FAA champions broad federal jurisdiction, it acknowledges that not every drone-related rule at state or local level is out of bounds. The updated Fact Sheet delineates areas where local authorities can still act without breaching federal law. For example, it suggests that regulations on drone behavior, rather than where they can fly, might better align with federal preemption principles.

The Fact Sheet also offers examples of potential local regulations, such as those concerning land use, privacy, criminal activity, or even specific areas like wildfire suppression.

What’s Ahead for Drone Regulation?

The FAA’s latest Fact Sheet, while offering much-needed clarity, isn’t without its nuances. Some areas of potential contention involve regulations that don’t directly tackle aviation safety but might impact drone operations.

Also, while local bodies can oversee drone takeoffs and landings, this authority has its limits. For example, a blanket ban on drone operations due to restrictions on takeoff and landing points in a city might still breach federal guidelines.

In conclusion, the updated FAA Fact Sheet is a significant stride towards clarifying the legal landscape for drones in the U.S. By largely echoing the drone industry’s perspective, it nullifies arguments advocating for more lenient local drone regulations. While a few gray areas persist, this new directive will likely serve as an invaluable guide for lawmakers and the drone industry in the years ahead.