Increasing unauthorized use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, commonly called drones, has spurred a risk management bulletin from the Local Government Insurance Trust that provides guidance to local enforcement from the Federal Aviation Administration.

As described by  the Local Government Insurance Trust, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued the new Small UAS Rule (Title 14 CFR Part 107) regulating small drones that became effective on August 29, 2016. The primary change under Part 107 is the requiring of a remote pilot airman certificate rather than a full pilot’s license.

From the Risk Management Bulletin:

Law Enforcement Engagement with Suspected Unauthorized UAS Operations

There is evidence of a considerable increase in the unauthorized use of small, inexpensive Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) by individuals and organizations, including companies.

As described by LGIT,

While the FAA retains the responsibility for enforcing Federal Aviation Regulations, including those applicable to the use of UAS, the agency also recognizes that state and local Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) are often in the best position to deter, detect, immediately investigate, and, as appropriate, pursue enforcement actions to stop unauthorized or unsafe UAS operations.

The agency’s Law Enforcement Guidance for Suspected Unauthorized UAS Operations (PDF) is intended to support the partnership between the FAA and LEAs in addressing these activities.

Click link for printable Law Enforcement Reference Card (PDF)

For more information, see the Local Government Insurance Trusts’s Risk Management Bulletin on Drones.

For more information on MACo’s advocacy supporting local capabilities to stop unauthorized use drones, see General Assembly Passes Drone Bill With Study Amendment.