Los Angeles World Airports Chief Executive Officer Deborah Flint participated in the first meeting of the FAA Drone Advisory Committee, where she was recently named to a new 35-member panel to advise the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. The FAA Drone Advisory Committee (DAC), created by FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, will provide input and recommendations to the FAA on policy-level issues facing the aviation community as it works to integrate drones into the National Airspace System (NAS). The new committee met for the first time today in Washington, D.C.
The committee is comprised of a broad and balanced cross section of academics, elected officials, aviation professionals and associations, high-technology companies, representatives from drone manufacturers General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Lockheed Martin, and potential drone users Google X and Amazon Prime Air. The committee is chaired by Intel Corporation Chief Executive Officer Brian Krzanich, who is also a pilot.
“Los Angeles World Airports’ commercial and general aviation facilities – like many other U.S. airports – have an increasing number of drones operating in our nations’ airspace,” said Flint. “I am honored to represent Los Angeles, and the airport community, and look forward to contributing to the important discussion of how drones can be integrated into our national airspace in a safe and efficient manner.”
LAWA fully supports all federal and local laws related to legal operation of drones.
Los Angeles Airport Police Division is actively engaged in multi-agency law-enforcement efforts regarding UAS. Airport Police officers meet regularly with local communities to educate residents and businesses on what to look for when drones are operated improperly and how to assist law enforcement by quickly reporting such operations.
Airport Police also launched a social media campaign this year to educate the public on the rules for hobbyists when operating UAS. A rotation of messages is posted through Twitter advising the public on safety and the laws that apply to UAS. More extensive messages are posted on Facebook.
Airport Police officers are also being trained on the rules and regulations, as well as on the FAA-recommended methods of “Basic Law Enforcement Response.” Airport Police officers are provided contacts for the FAA Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP) agents, along with what information to provide when reporting unauthorized or improper use of UAS.
