GAO warns FAA of safety gaps as drone flight operations expand.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a new report. It warns about safety gaps in drone use. These gaps affect the national airspace. The report focuses on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights. These flights are growing very fast. However, federal rules are not keeping up.

Regulatory Challenges

The FAA manages all US flight safety. It is working on new drone rules. But the industry is moving faster. Companies want to fly drones over long distances. This includes package delivery and pipeline checks. The GAO says the current framework is weak. It lacks clear safety data for BVLOS.

Safety Risks Identified

The report highlights several major risks. One risk is mid-air collisions. Drones must see and avoid other planes. Current technology is still being tested. The GAO found that data is missing. The FAA does not have enough flight info. This makes it hard to set rules.

Impact on Operations

Many companies are waiting for these rules. They want to scale their drone fleets. Without clear rules, growth is slow. Safety must come first in aviation. The GAO suggests better data collection. This will help the FAA make better choices.

Future Outlook

The FAA must act on these gaps. The report lists several key steps. First, the FAA needs better tracking tools. Second, it must improve its risk assessment. This will protect pilots and the public. The drone industry is watching closely. Clear rules will help the market grow safely.

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