{
  "id": "R44192",
  "type": "CRS Report",
  "typeId": "REPORTS",
  "number": "R44192",
  "active": true,
  "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
  "versions": [
    {
      "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
      "id": 445190,
      "date": "2015-09-09",
      "retrieved": "2016-04-06T18:25:16.986509",
      "title": "Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): Commercial Outlook for a New Industry",
      "summary": "Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)\u2014commonly referred to as drones\u2014have become a staple of U.S. military reconnaissance and weapons delivery in overseas war zones such as Afghanistan. Now some new technologies and pending federal regulations are enabling the manufacture and use of UAS in domestic commerce, giving rise to a growing commercial UAS industry.\nFlying small, unmanned aircraft has been a hobbyists\u2019 pastime for decades. However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) currently prohibits the use of UAS for commercial purposes, except where it has granted an exemption permitting specific activities. FAA has granted such exemptions since May 2014, primarily to firms wishing to use UAS for agricultural, real estate, film and broadcasting, oil and gas, and construction activities. As of September 2, 2015, it had granted more than 1,400 such exemptions. FAA also has authorized limited use of UAS within defined areas of Alaska, as required by the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-95).\nAround 89 companies in the United States now produce UAS, which can range from hobbyist planes that fly on a single charge for about 10 minutes and cost under $200 to commercial-level craft that can stay aloft much longer but can cost as much as $10,000. Manufacture of the aircraft, known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), is relatively simple. The aircraft\u2019s basic elements include a frame, propellers, a small motor and battery, electronic sensors, Global Positioning System (GPS), and a camera. Some UAVs are operated by controllers, but others can be guided by the operator\u2019s smartphone or tablet. The widespread availability of electronic sensors, GPS devices, wifi receivers, and smartphones has reduced their cost, enabling manufacturers to enter the market without worrying about the supply of components. It has been estimated that, over the next 10 years, worldwide production of UAS for all types of applications could rise from $4 billion annually to $14 billion. However, the lack of a regulatory framework, which has delayed commercial deployment, may slow development of a domestic UAS manufacturing industry.\nFAA announced a notice of proposed rulemaking in February 2015 that would permit UAS weighing less than 55 pounds to fly in limited circumstances and locations during the daytime, as long as there is a visual line of sight between the UAS and its operator, who would have to meet FAA standards and pass tests. Such rules, if adopted, would likely lead to limited commercial use of UAS, but would preclude the use of UAS for some purposes. FAA is not expected to announce final rules until 2016 or 2017.\nThe growth of UAS manufacturing and the rate at which UAS are deployed commercially are likely to be determined by technological and regulatory issues. FAA has approved establishment of six test sites to explore issues related to the integration of unmanned aircraft into the national airspace, but it is unclear whether those sites will provide information helpful to FAA rulemaking. Sense-and-avoid technology, critical to the safe operation of unmanned planes in crowded airspace, is not yet suitable for small, inexpensive UAS. In addition, concerns about privacy may delay expanded use of UAS by businesses and government agencies.",
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      "typeId": "REPORTS",
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      "topics": []
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  "topics": [
    "Economic Policy",
    "Industry and Trade"
  ]
}