In an effort to counter national security threats posed by drones, President Donald Trump announced new rules on Friday. These rules aim to allow Americans to fly at supersonic speeds and hasten the development of futuristic flying cars.
Three executive orders have been laid out with the purpose of urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to speed up the creation of regulations, allowing drone companies to operate beyond their operators’ line of sight. This comes alongside imposing restrictions intended to mitigate risks of terrorism, espionage, and public safety issues.
Drones are already commonly used for various tasks such as aiding in search and rescue missions, applying agricultural fertilizers, inspecting infrastructure, and even for parcel deliveries. However, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the military and terrorist application of drones, a pressing concern as the U.S. prepares to host major events like the World Cup and the Olympics. In addition, there have been cases where drones are suspected of being used for espionage activities and smuggling drugs across borders. The potential danger of drones colliding with aircraft near airports is also a significant worry.
Michael Kratsios, the assistant to the president and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, remarked, “These orders also address the growing threat of criminal, terrorist, and foreign misuse of drones in U.S. airspace. We have a responsibility to protect and restore airspace sovereignty.”
As the U.S. prepares for events like the World Cup, it becomes crucial to safeguard the airspace over large public gatherings, noted Sebastian Gorka, a senior director at the National Security Council. A federal task force will assess drone threats, and existing counterterrorism task forces will examine drone-related issues. Gorka commented, “Drones are a disruptive technology. They have tremendous potential for both good and ill. We will enhance the enforcement of current laws to deter individuals who misuse them.”
Trump’s orders direct the FAA to advance a new rule preventing drone flights over sensitive locations and to collaborate with the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to better implement laws on illegal drone operations. The FAA has been testing systems to detect and manage drones to safeguard public safety and national security, including using radio signals to jam drones or force them to land, and considering high-tech solutions like microwaves or lasers to disable them.
A provision in the order allows state and local authorities to be trained to handle unauthorized drones, expanding their ability to counter threats effectively. This move was lauded by the NFL, as local and state authorities are responsible for protecting many of their events, and there has been an increase in drone airspace violations. Moreover, law enforcement agencies may receive additional training in using drones for security at large gatherings.
Furthermore, one of Trump’s directives presses the FAA to lift the 1973 restriction on flights over Mach 1 and replace it with a noise standard, aligning with advances in supersonic aircraft technology that can fly faster than sound without generating disruptive sonic booms on the ground. Blake Scholl, the founder of Boom Supersonic, welcomed the move, saying it accelerates their development of a supersonic airliner.
Several companies are also innovating flying cars to serve as taxis and for cargo transport. While these vehicles are still a few years from readiness, the orders aim to eliminate regulatory obstacles in their development, with Kratsios adding that flying cars should also be accessible to the public.
The executive orders do not ban drones made in China, including those from DJI, a popular brand in the U.S. However, Trump’s administration intends to prioritize American-made drones in federal procurement and open grants to aid state and local agencies in acquiring U.S-made drones. Concerns about the surveillance capabilities of foreign drones have prompted national security reviews of certain Chinese drone manufacturers.
Though the FAA has generally constrained drones from operating beyond operators’ line of sight due to safety considerations, it has issued numerous waivers to companies like Amazon for extended drone operations. Drone manufacturers and users advocate for clear regulations to maximize the devices’ potential. Michael Robbins, CEO of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, hailed the administration’s efforts as historic for the U.S. drone industry.