The ability of people to operate small UAS over people has taken
a big step forward. The FAA has been saying that it wanted to
release its draft of the so-called microUAS rules before the end of
the year. However, before that can be done, the Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) must go through a review process at the
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), which is part
of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) at the White
House. That crucial first step was taken earlier this
week.
According to OIRA's website, the new rule, entitled
"Operations of Small Unmanned Aircraft Over People," will
address:
the performance-based standards and means-of-compliance for
operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) over people not
directly participating in the operation or not under a covered
structure or inside a stationary vehicle that can provide
reasonable protection from a falling small unmanned aircraft. This
rule would provide relief from
