WASHINGTON (TIP): All US drone operators would for the first time have to prove they understand aviation regulations under a legislation introduced on Wednesday in the Senate.
A bill, setting policy for the Federal Aviation Administration includes several new drone provisions, including a requirement for unmanned fliers to pass an online test, according to summaries of the legislation released by the Senate commerce, science and transportation committee.
The measure is one of several provisions to improve drone safety following a year of record reports of unmanned aircraft flying too close to planes and helicopters. The bill would also beef up enforcement of drone violations, require safety features on drones and fund programs to intercept wayward drones near airports. While the FAA started this year to require all drone users to register with the agency, there’s no test to ensure they understand restrictions, such as a prohibition on most flights within eight kilometers of an airport.