§44808 Carriage of property by small unmanned aircraft systems for compensation or hire

Summary

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, the FAA must update its rules so small drones can carry property for pay inside the United States. The new rules must use performance-based standards, match requirements to different levels of risk to other aircraft and people on the ground, and take into account highly automated small drones. The rules must include safety rules for airworthiness, who may operate and what operations they may do, operating limits, and consider the views of State, local, and tribal officials about community impacts. The Secretary may change part 298 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations to set economic authority for these drone carriers. That authority would only require registration with the Department of Transportation, FAA authorization to operate, and compliance with chapters 401, 411, and 417. Until the FAA finishes the rulemaking, a person may seek an air carrier operating certificate and certificate of public convenience and necessity, or an exemption, using existing processes.