Construction-Related Waivers to the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rule in the United States

Abstract

With the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) industry poised to become a five billion dollar industry within the next year, UAVs have tremendous potential within the construction industry. From aerial surveys, jobsite photographs, and monitoring productivity and safety, UAV use could result in increased efficiency and reduced waste in the construction industry—which is notorious for having a high percentage of waste. Regulations enacted in August 2016, made the implementation of UAVs more straightforward for construction companies than had been the case in prior years. Conventional legal research methods were utilized, including a search of relevant statutes and a comprehensive review of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), waivers granted since the implementation of the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Rule. This, paper will discuss regulations applicable to UAV use in the construction industry, the parts of the regulations for which waivers can be requested, and the number and type of waivers sought since the current regulations were enacted.KeywordsDroneFederal Aviation AdministrationUnmanned aerial vehicleUnmanned aircraft systemWaiver