The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) UAS Integration Pilot Program has generated enormous amounts of interest in the drone industry. The program will help move drone integration forward in the U.S. and to create a role for state and local governments in drone regulation. Over 2800 drone firms applied to be “interested parties” in the UAS Integration Pilot Program.
The program calls for state, local or tribal governments to act as “lead applicants” for the program. "Lead applicants" will pair with "interested parties" to plan and execute the program.
The deadlines for “interested parties” to apply has passed. The next deadline is on Jan. 4, 2018. On Jan. 4, “lead applicants” will have to submit their teams and the rest of their application requirements. Then the FAA will select at least five communities to take part in the first round of the drone experimental program. Those communities will have the opportunity to test drone projects that are currently prohibited, such as flight beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), flight at night, or flight above crowds in cities.
One of the principle objectives of the Pilot Program is to address ongoing security and safety risks associated with UAS operating near humans and critical infrastructure by ensuring timely communications with Federal, State, local and tribal law enforcement. The FAA will gather feedback from the lead applicants and interested parties to develop commercial drone laws and regulations.
