
Legal changes reflect evolution of drone operations
In a significant legislative shift, the North Carolina General Assembly passed House Bill 198, effectively eliminating knowledge testing and permitting requirements for unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operators in the state. The decision follows continued support from AeroX and its members, who have played a key role in informing lawmakers about the benefits of drones and fostering a business environment supportive of advanced drone operations in the state.
The UAS knowledge test and operator permit requirements were first put in place under Session Act 2014-100 in 2014. These regulations required both state/local and commercial drone operators to pass the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) UAS Operator Knowledge Test and obtain an NCDOT UAS permit, which had to be renewed every two years.
Basil Yap, president of AeroX, recalled the early legislative discussions. “There were significant concerns about security and privacy around drone use, and a perception that the FAA wasn't moving quickly enough to capitalize on the business opportunity,” Yap said. “One lawmaker even suggested that if the FAA didn't issue drone pilot licenses, states would help push the FAA forward by passing their own licenses.” At the time, the FAA didn't issue drone pilot licenses, but the introduction of the Small UAS rule (Part 107) and Remote Pilot Certificate in 2016 filled that gap.
Yap, who served as UAS program manager at NCDOT from 2016 to 2020, oversaw the establishment of the online knowledge test and permit process. During his tenure, he also led North Carolina's involvement in the FAA UAS Integration Pilot Program. Yap noted that drone operators questioned why North Carolina required a UAS permit and believed a UAS permit was unnecessary alongside the FAA's Remote Pilot Certificate.
AeroX has regularly engaged with state legislators to support the drone industry since its founding in 2021. AeroX’s efforts include hosting a UAS Legislative Day in 2023 and a State Legislative UAS Caucus in 2024 to provide lawmakers with first-hand insight into drone operations and facilitate discussion with industry stakeholders.
House Bill 198, “DOT Legislative Changes,” was introduced in February 2023 and reached the Governor’s desk in May 2024. It was initially vetoed by Governor Roy Cooper, citing issues unrelated to UAS regulation, but the House and Senate overrode the veto and signed the bill into law on June 27, 2024. The repeal of Section 10 of Chapter 63 of the state General Statutes, which covers UAS knowledge tests and permit requirements, will take effect on December 1, 2024.
AeroX continues to champion North Carolina's position as a leader in UAS innovation. By fostering an environment conducive to the growth of UAS technology, AeroX aims to create a model ecosystem for advanced air mobility and serve as a testbed for pioneering companies.
For more information about AeroX, please visit www.ncaerox.com.
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