D.C. Circuit Rejects Challenge To FAA's Drone Policy As Premature

Christine Walz is an Associate in our Washington D.C. office.

Today, the D.C. Circuit granted the FAA's motion to dismiss a petition for review involving its enforcement policy on unmanned aerial systems, also referred to as drones. The petition was filed by Texas Equusearch, a not-for-profit organization who conducts search and rescue operations. Specifically, the petition sought to challenge the FAA's email communications directing the company to cease all use of radio-control model aircraft in connection with their search-and-rescue efforts. Texas Equusearch, argued that the email "declares in no uncertain terms that such operations are 'illegal' and demands that [Texas Equusearch] 'stop immediately'"