This bill defines the low-altitude zone for civil unmanned aircraft (drones) as the "immediate reaches of airspace," meaning any area within 200 feet above ground. It directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update the legal definition of navigable airspace and to issue a final rule within one year. The bill says the FAA will control airspace from 200 to 400 feet, and may set rules for who may use that band.
The bill preserves State, local, and Tribal authority to regulate drone operations below 200 feet. It requires drone operators to have property-owner permission to operate in the immediate reaches above private property, limits drone operations near structures over 200 feet tall unless the owner permits it, and protects local time, place, and manner restrictions below 200 feet. The FAA must create a process to designate authorized commercial routes above 200 feet (but not within 200 feet) and must consider local and owner input. The bill also protects local zoning control over take-off and landing zones for commercial drones, including timelines for application decisions and nondiscrimination rules for commercial operators.
Other provisions let States issue intrastate authorizations for carrying property by small drones within State boundaries and immediate reaches; allow State, local, or Tribal governments to apply to manage certain "complex airspace" (areas at or above 200 feet with tall structures) under agreements with the FAA; require FAA coordination with State, local, and Tribal governments in UAS traffic management planning; and add requirements for how the FAA accepts industry safety standards for small drones (including cost-benefit analysis).
The bill includes rules of construction saying it does not change FAA authority over manned aircraft and it does not stop the FAA from enforcing safety in the national airspace.
No publicly available information.
The bill's findings and the "sense of Congress" say that protecting property rights over the immediate reaches of airspace and preserving State police powers and local zoning are important. It frames the measures as a way to balance federal airspace regulation with landowner and State, local, and Tribal authority.
No publicly available information.