Release #: 15.47
December 14, 2015
ALPA Commends FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Registration Requirement
Pilots Maintain Registration Will Be Most Effective at Point of Sale
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Capt. Tim Canoll, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA) issued the following statement regarding today’s announcement by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the registration requirement and process for purchasers of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
“The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) commends today’s announcement by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that it will require the registration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) as a tool to help ensure that owners and operators fly their aircraft safely in skies they share with airliners carrying passengers and cargo. The FAA’s UAS registration requirement will facilitate the enforcement of regulations and demonstrate to purchasers the responsibility that comes with owning and operating a UAS in the U.S. national airspace.
“While the registration requirement for UAS is a significant step forward, ALPA believes the rule will be most effective through a mandatory process at the point of sale. We support the registration-requirement development process and welcome the accountability that the FAA’s rule will establish for those who purchase a UAS. ALPA looks forward to working with the FAA and industry on a point-of-sale registration requirement in the future as a key element to make certain UAS owners and operators are aware of the rules and responsibility involved with the aircraft they purchase.
“Maintaining safety must stand as the first priority as we integrate UAS into the U.S. national airspace. ALPA’s plan to safeguard air transportation while capitalizing on the recreational and commercial potential of UAS includes education, registration, technology, and enforcement of the regulations.”
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents over 52,000 pilots at 30 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.
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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org