U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and John Thune (R-SD) called on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to publish a proposed rule for the remote identification of unmanned aerial systems (UAS or drones). The request was issued through a letter sent to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

According to the Senators’ letter, remote identification could permit the public, the FAA, law enforcement and others to remotely track and identify drones and their operators during flight, which would assist in addressing unauthorized drone flights in sensitive areas such as airports and large public events. Specifically, the letter states, “In recent months, a series of UAS sightings in safety-sensitive areas have underscored the need to quickly adopt and implement remote identification. Remote identification will enhance safety, security and privacy and serve as a critical tool for law enforcement to respond to and address reports of illegal and unauthorized drone operations.” We will track this issue as it progresses through the FAA and the industry as a whole.