Small UAV Coalition Welcomes House Approval of Extended FAA Reauthorization

The Small UAV Coalition has expressed strong support for the U.S. House of Representatives’ approval of H.R. 4, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, legislation designed to provide long-term regulatory stability for the nation’s aviation system. The six-year reauthorization measure is expected to promote continued expansion of the commercial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sector while reinforcing safety standards across the national airspace.

Coalition representatives recognized the leadership of members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Aviation Subcommittee for advancing policies that balance technological innovation with aviation safety and security. The organization noted that the legislation represents an important step toward establishing consistent regulatory frameworks that enable the responsible integration of drones into commercial operations.

Among its key provisions, the act broadens opportunities for commercial UAS use by expanding the operational flexibility allowed under Part 107 regulations and encouraging greater transparency and technological innovation in regulatory implementation. The legislation also establishes a certification pathway to support scalable drone delivery services, using a risk-based air carrier certification model specifically designed for unmanned aircraft operators.

In addition, the bill strengthens the Federal Aviation Administration’s authority to oversee UAS activities while providing the flexibility needed to address emerging safety, security, and law enforcement concerns. It highlights the urgency of advancing the development of unmanned traffic management (UTM) systems that will enable safe coordination of increasing drone activity in shared airspace environments.

The legislation further calls for continued study of the regulatory responsibilities shared among federal, state, and local governments as UAS integration initiatives move forward, including the implementation of the UAS Integration Pilot Program. Another provision introduces a micro-UAS classification for drones weighing 4.4 pounds or less, intended to accelerate commercial applications for lightweight aircraft through streamlined regulatory pathways.

As the Senate prepares to consider its own FAA reauthorization legislation, the Small UAV Coalition emphasized its commitment to working with policymakers and industry stakeholders to ensure that final legislation supports industry-led innovation, fosters the development of national UTM capabilities, and preserves a unified federal framework governing aviation safety and economic regulation.