Vic Moss, Board Chair of the Drone Advocacy Alliance, released the below statement responding to the Trump administration’s recent executive orders on “Unleashing American Drone Dominance” and “Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty”:
“The Drone Advocacy Alliance applauds the Trump administration for its recent executive orders that provide clarity to the American drone industry and help ensure it truly advances. Having championed small drone companies and responsible growth for years in my role as CEO of the Drone Service Providers Alliance, I appreciate the administration’s recent actions in areas where we have been waiting for years. As just one example, accelerating rulemaking for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights is a critical and long-overdue step. Technology has outpaced regulation, and while we have waited behind red tape, the U.S. has fallen behind many other countries in this space. Taking action on BVLOS flights will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of commercial drones, supporting small businesses, creating jobs, and fostering innovation in fields such as public safety, infrastructure, agriculture, and logistics.
“We also commend the Executive Order’s emphasis on other areas including enhancing public safety drone operations, empowering American manufacturers, and increasing competition in the drone industry. Competition drives innovation, and supporting American drone manufacturers benefits the entire ecosystem by providing drone users with more choices, increasing innovation and lowering costs. However, the work isn’t done. To further maintain accountability, sustain progress and develop U.S. leadership in the unmanned aviation sector, Congress must pass the DRONE Act (H.R.1058) to provide support for public safety agencies looking to embrace drone technology. In addition, it is critical for the federal government to complete the security audit mandated by Section 1709 of the FY25 NDAA to provide a full picture of the security of drones that many small businesses rely on. With a whole-of-government approach and action on these items, we can ensure a safe, competitive, and innovative future for America’s drone industry.”