While technology has progressed quickly, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) policymaking has lagged behind. Commercial drones efficiently and safely inspect our nation’s infrastructure, deliver medical and other supplies, and enable social distancing while accomplishing important tasks. However, even though Congress mandated that the federal government develop a plan to integrate UAS into the national airspace system (NAS) almost ten years ago, commercial drone operations beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) of the operator are still not broadly authorized in the United States. The inability to operate UAS BVLOS of the operator forecloses many of the most promising and beneficial UAS use-cases that can benefit all Americans.
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