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A recent study from George Mason University’s Mercatus Center has revealed some latest insights into the “state” (pun intended) of UAV regulations and policies across the nation on the state level, revealing key information on which state governments are most prepared for the longer term of economic drone operations.
The brand new study rates all 50 states on six differently-weighted aspects. Essentially the most heavily weighted (30/100 possible points) is the existence of an airspace lease law, allowing the creation of flight corridors directly above public roads or private property. In response to jurisdictional concerns, in April 2023, the FAA announced latest collaborative guidelines between state and federal regulatory agencies that may place state bureaucracies accountable for many features of local, low-altitude airspace administration. One solution is the creation of “drone highways” over existing roadways, but not all states have jumped on board. Only 17 allow for each state and native authorities to lease their airspace, with 10 allowing for one or the opposite to achieve this and the rest lacking any clear mechanism for the creation of latest UAV corridors.
The second factor is an Avigation Easement law that enables for drone flights so long as they’re high enough to not be a nuisance to passersby or homeowners (25/100 possible points): which allows some drone flights even when an airspace lease law hasn’t been approved yet. Having a dedicated office or task force dedicated to drone regulation nets 20 points, with lower point totals being awarded for legislative reports or lapsed committees. The fourth weighted think about the state drone regulatory environment is a law vesting landowners with air rights, (10/100), which the Mercatus Center says reduces litigation risk for each drone operators and landowners. Instituting a “sandbox” where latest technologies will be tested in a low-regulation environment nets an additional 10 possible points. Finally, 5 points are awarded based on the variety of drone-related jobs inside the state.
In line with this study, the states most prepared for business UAVs from a regulatory perspective are Arkansas, Oklahoma, and North Dakota, with the least prepared being Mississippi, Nebraska, and Rhode Island. The outcomes show the facility that corporations need to impact regulation: Arkansas is the house of Walmart, one in all the leaders within the residential home delivery race. Oklahoma and North Dakota each have developed significant research and support frameworks for business drones, leveraging the presence of agriculture and energy stakeholders.
The complete study, including explanations of their methodology and source material, is out there here.
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