In recent weeks, there has been growing public concern in the U.S. over drone sightings in the Northeast.
The issue has revealed gaps in regulation and the government's ability to handle the increase in drone activity.
Though federal officials have insisted that there is no immediate threat, many lawmakers and members of the public have continued to call for action, writes Digi24.
Drones have been spotted in at least six states, including New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Arrests have also been made in connection to drones near restricted areas in Massachusetts and California.
The question of who is responsible for regulating drones has become more pressing.
Timothy Tenne, former FAA official and current CEO of American Robotics, explained that no government agency has the resources to effectively monitor and manage drone activity.
He emphasized that national security threats must be prioritized, which leaves little room for managing non-security-related drone incidents.
The FAA has been working on integrating drones into the National Airspace System for nearly a decade. However, recent events have highlighted the challenges and gaps in drone regulation.
Drone regulations are still relatively new, and as technology advances, laws have struggled to keep pace.
Tenne pointed out that drone technology gained momentum during President Obama’s administration. He shared an example of a man who shot down a drone in Kentucky in 2015.
At that time, the FAA ruled it illegal, but regulations only covered flying drones in the National Airspace System, not the other issues drones can cause, such as invading private property or posing a safety risk.
Currently, drones are regulated under 14 CFR Part 107. The FAA permits drone flights under 400 feet (122 meters), but drones must avoid other aircraft and comply with airspace restrictions in places like airports or sensitive security areas.
Awareness of these regulations has grown after incidents, such as temporary runway closures at Stewart International Airport in New York due to a drone sighting.
Experts believe the public shouldn’t be overly worried but agree that more transparency is needed from authorities.
Many agree that the government needs to better communicate with the public to reduce confusion and fear.
