AGA Submits Comments on the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) ANPRM AND NPRM
On April 15, AGA, along with API, AOPL and INGAA (the Associations), jointly filed comments on the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Safe and Secure Operations of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ANPRM) and the FAA’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Operation of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Over People (NPRM). In its comments on the ANRPM, the Associations supported the FAA’s efforts to develop stand-off distances and UTM, critical infrastructure sites will be further protected from expanded UAS operations. There are significant benefits to the oil and natural gas industry from increased structure to the NAS and protection of critical infrastructure sites.
In its comments on the NPRM, the Association supported the FAA as the sole regulator of the national airspace system (NAS), and for the FAA to lead the development of a regulatory framework for UAS integration into NAS. Additionally, the Associations encourage the FAA to defer to performance based regulations, and clarify enforcement capabilities within the final rule. The use of UAS potentially enhance work activities for both the oil and gas sector.