The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has just announced that it will be jointly holding an extremely significant UAS Symposium with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University on April 19–20, 2016. A large number of prominent FAA personnel, including FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and Deputy Administrator Mike Whitaker, will be in attendance. The FAA is billing this meeting as "a forum for the UAS industry and stakeholder community to provide input and feedback directly to FAA decision-makers on topics related to UAS Integration."
The two-day program will cover all of the issues critical to the advancement of the industry. This includes a discussion on UAS certification issues with the director of the Aircraft Certification office, developments in low altitude airspace management, airport issues, and what the FAA sees as the key research challenges. There will also be sessions dealing with federal pre-emption and the authority of the states to regulate UAS activities.
In addition to Administrator Huerta, presentations will be made by a wide range of FAA personnel, including:
- Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Marke "Hoot" Gibson
- Earl Lawrence, Director, FAA UAS Integration Office
- John Duncan, Director, FAA Flight Standards Service
- Dorenda Baker, Director, FAA Aircraft Certification
- Jim Eck, FAA Assistant Administrator for NextGen
- Reggie Govan, FAA Chief Counsel
- Victoria Wei, Director, FAA Airport Planning and Programming
While the event will be open to the general public, the FAA notes that space will be limited. Given the importance of the issues that are going to be discussed, and the ability to have direct access to the FAA, all stakeholders should give serious consideration to attending and being represented at this event.
Dentons UAS practice co-chair, Jim Williams, is attending the symposium and available to meet with clients to discuss their position on the FAA's new proposals. Also, Jim can pose questions and concerns on the behalf of clients who are unable to attend. Following the symposium, Dentons will distribute analysis of key issues discussed during the event.
Dentons is the world's first polycentric global law firm. A top 20 firm on the Acritas 2015 Global Elite Brand Index, the Firm is committed to challenging the status quo in delivering consistent and uncompromising quality and value in new and inventive ways. Driven to provide clients a competitive edge, and connected to the communities where its clients want to do business, Dentons knows that understanding local cultures is crucial to successfully completing a deal, resolving a dispute or solving a business challenge. Now the world's largest law firm, Dentons' global team builds agile, tailored solutions to meet the local, national and global needs of private and public clients of any size in more than 125 locations serving 50-plus countries. www.dentons.com.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
