Now that the UAS flight over people and remote ID rules are in effect, the pathways are opening up for more complex, and potentially dangerous, UAS operations. The FAA, however, is not the only governmental body concerned...more
There can be little doubt that the FAA is no longer going to tolerate the disruptions caused by drunken and unruly passengers. Yesterday, the FAA announced large civil penalties against another four travelers for misconduct...more
As we originally reported back in 2019, the FAA has been working on a new set of rules defining an air carrier’s responsibilities to its passengers in the event of a tarmac delay. That process has finally ended, with the...more
As we reported last month, the FAA is finally taking strong enforcement action against unruly passengers who disrupt air travel. Today, the FAA announced three new cases involving stiff penalties against such individuals. ...more
The new unmanned aircraft rules regarding remote identification and flight over persons are finally in effect, as of April 21, 2021. The final versions of these rules were released by the FAA on December 28, 2020, and...more
In a new decision, the Michigan Court of Appeals has held that when it comes to privacy and aerial surveillance, a landowner has a greatly enhanced expectation of privacy when unmanned aircraft are involved. The decision,...more
3/29/2021
/ Airspace ,
Appeals ,
Audio Recording ,
Drones ,
Fourth Amendment ,
Photographs ,
Popular ,
Privacy Concerns ,
SCOTUS ,
Surveillance ,
Unmanned Aircraft Systems ,
Video ,
Warrants
The United States Supreme Court handed down a decision yesterday that expands the reach of state courts over companies involved in interstate commerce. While the decision, Ford Motor Co. v. Montana Eighth Judicial District...more
3/26/2021
/ Automotive Industry ,
Aviation Industry ,
Causation ,
Due Process ,
Ford Motor Co. v Bandemer ,
Ford Motor Co. v Montana Eighth Judicial District Court ,
Fourteenth Amendment ,
Interstate Commerce ,
Jurisdiction ,
Manufacturers ,
Personal Jurisdiction ,
Purposeful Availment Test ,
SCOTUS
On January 21, 2021, President Biden signed an Executive Order on Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel, which mandated mask wearing on all commercial aircraft. In addition, all domestic United...more
3/19/2021
/ Aviation Industry ,
Business Disruption ,
Civil Monetary Penalty ,
Coronavirus/COVID-19 ,
Enforcement Actions ,
Executive Orders ,
Failure to Comply ,
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ,
Flight Crews ,
Infectious Diseases ,
Joe Biden ,
Masks ,
Personal Protective Equipment
Over the past six years, there has been growing support in Congress for stripping the Federal Aviation Administration of some of its authority over the lower levels of the national airspace system. For example, the FAA...more
Shortly after taking office, President Biden signed an executive order mandating the use of masks on all federal property and for people involved in interstate transportation. All such orders eventually spawn agency guidance...more
We would like to thank everyone who was able to join us for the live presentation of the latest Aviation Webinar Series, “Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft and Flight Over People – The Final Rules.”
We are...more
The FAA has kept its word. As promised, the FAA has released the final versions of its rules for Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft, for Flight of UAS Over People, and for UAS Night Operations. These rulemakings...more
The long awaited COVID-19 relief bill has finally arrived from Congress. Weighing in at an impressive 5,593 pages, it contains at least some of the assistance the aviation industry has been asking for since the...more
At long last, the Department of Transportation (“DOT”) has brought clarity to the use of emotional support and service animals on airplanes. As many of you will remember, the DOT proposed a sweeping set of regulations on this...more
True integration of unmanned aircraft into the National Airspace System will only come when advanced designs finally receive type certification. The FAA has clearly been working on certification issues behind the scenes, and...more
Virtually all Americans know that the FAA regulates air carrier safety in the United States. However, most Americans are unaware that the Department of Transportation also maintains oversight of air carrier operations through...more
Earlier this week, the FAA issued its Updated Interim Occupational Health and Safety Guidance for Air Carriers and Crews. The updated Guidance continues to urge that crewmembers who exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19 cease...more
Back in 2018, the Congress tasked the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) with studying the role that state and local governments should play in the regulation of unmanned aircraft and the lower levels of the National...more
In a long awaited move, the interagency working group responsible for coordinating drone defense policy has issued guidance to the public about what they can and cannot do to combat unauthorized drone use. The guidance,...more
A growing number of nations have been successfully, but slowly, pushing both the technological and regulatory boundaries of advanced UAS operations. These national pilot programs have taken the first steps towards beyond...more
One of the great innovations of the Part 107 regulations for unmanned aircraft was the ability to obtain a waiver from many of its more restrictive requirements. The Part 107 waiver process allows operators the flexibility to...more
While many states are currently “open for business” to one degree or another, COVID-19 has stubbornly refused to release its hold in some areas. As a result, while progress is being made, we clearly are not “back to...more
In the age of COVID-19, there is a renewed interest in the principles of federalism and the limits of federal power, including the power of the Federal Aviation Administration. More and more, commentators and legislators are...more
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to establish the standards for remote identification of unmanned aircraft closed on March 2, 2020. The NPRM garnered over 53,000 comments, both pro and con, concerning the contours of...more
The aviation industry, like the rest of America, is gearing up for the reopening of America for business. As we do so, it is important to keep on top of the latest recommended “best practices” necessary to keep the COVID-19...more