President Trump's drone policy represents a multifaceted approach to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), balancing national security concerns with the desire to foster innovation and economic growth in the aviation sector, including flying cars and supersonic travel. Recent executive orders signal a significant push to accelerate domestic drone production, secure American airspace, and reassert U.S. leadership in aviation technology. These directives aim to address the growing threats posed by drones while simultaneously encouraging the development and commercialization of advanced aircraft.
A key aspect of Trump's drone policy is the emphasis on enabling routine "Beyond Visual Line of Sight" (BVLOS) operations. Recognizing that BVLOS capabilities are crucial for unlocking the full potential of commercial drones, the administration is pushing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expedite regulations that standardize BVLOS operations. The executive orders set aggressive timelines for the FAA to issue proposed and final rules, indicating a strong commitment to removing regulatory barriers that have hindered the U.S. drone industry's competitiveness. This move is expected to empower the domestic drone economy, facilitating applications in critical infrastructure inspection, emergency response, and long-distance cargo and medical delivery.
In addition to promoting drone innovation, the Trump administration is also focused on securing American airspace against potential threats. The executive orders call for comprehensive measures to detect, track, and identify unauthorized drone operations. This includes directing federal agencies to utilize available authorities to employ drone detection and signal identification equipment, while also ensuring the protection of Fourth Amendment rights. The FAA is instructed to share personal identifying information associated with UAS remote identification signals with law enforcement and national security agencies, enhancing their ability to respond to potential threats. Furthermore, the administration is working to establish a Federal Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty and create a National Training Center for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
The policy also addresses concerns about foreign-manufactured drones, particularly those from China. The executive orders prioritize U.S.-manufactured UAS in federal procurement programs and aim to reduce reliance on foreign devices in sensitive areas. This includes directing the Federal Acquisition Security Council to publish a list of covered foreign entities that pose supply chain risks, preventing government agencies and contractors from purchasing UAS from those firms. The Secretary of Commerce is also tasked with launching trade-related investigations and drafting regulations to secure domestic supply chains, covering the entire U.S. commercial market. These measures seek to bolster the domestic drone industrial base and ensure that American technology remains secure from undue foreign influence or exploitation.
Beyond drones, the Trump administration's policies extend to the broader aviation sector, with a focus on encouraging the development of flying cars (electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft) and supersonic travel. The executive orders create a pilot program for testing flying cars for various applications, including emergency medical services, air taxis, cargo transport, and defense logistics. Additionally, the administration aims to revive supersonic flight by directing the FAA to eliminate the 1973 speed restriction that prohibits flights over Mach 1, replacing it with a noise standard. This move could pave the way for new supersonic aircraft that can fly faster than the speed of sound without creating disruptive sonic booms on the ground.
