Bill Overview
Title: National Drone and Advanced Air Mobility Initiative Act
Description: This bill establishes the National Drone and Advanced Air Mobility Initiative within the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to advance relevant technologies and capabilities related to unmanned aircraft systems (or drones). It also requires the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Institutes of Standards and Technology, the Department of Energy, and various other federal agencies to support research, development, and related activities concerning drones. Additionally, the bill (1) limits the Federal Aviation Administration's authority to regulate drones that are flown for research purposes and meet conditions to limit risks to other aircraft; and (2) prohibits the purchase or operation of a drone from China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia, except for research to improve U.S. capabilities to counter drones.
Sponsors: Rep. Lucas, Frank D. [R-OK-3]
Target Audience
Population: People in industries involved with or impacted by drone technology
Estimated Size: 10000000
- The drone industry impacts various sectors including logistics, agriculture, defense, and entertainment.
- Drones are used globally, hence innovation in this sphere can have a wide-reaching impact.
- Countries like the US are leaders in drone technology and their policy changes can set precedents.
- Regulations in the drone industry affect professional operators, hobbyists, and companies that utilize drone technology.
- The global drone market is projected to grow significantly over the coming years.
Reasoning
- Drones are essential in various sectors including delivery services, agriculture, surveillance, and more. The policy could broadly enhance US leadership in global drone markets.
- While the policy mainly affects industries, individual hobbyists and small businesses could experience changes in regulation and operational costs.
- Federal budget limitations imply prioritizing key sectors and high-impact projects, potentially excluding smaller entities.
- Regions with more tech industries may see greater impacts from policy-related advancements.
- The American drone market is heavily influenced by commercial players in delivery, media, and agriculture, providing a diverse perspective on policy impacts.
Simulated Interviews
Drone software developer (Silicon Valley, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this initiative is crucial for keeping the US competitive in drone technologies.
- There will likely be more job opportunities and project funding, which is exciting for developers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Farmer (St. Louis, MO)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could make drone technology more accessible and reliable for agricultural use.
- I'm concerned about the restriction on drone origins; affordable options might become limited.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Airline safety inspector (Dallas, TX)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Changing regulations can be a safety risk if not managed properly.
- I hope research improves drone safety to mitigate these concerns.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Hobbyist drone pilot (Rural Virginia)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Drones from foreign markets are often cheaper, which is better for a hobbyist like me.
- The research aspect seems unnecessary for casual users.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Film industry drone operator (New York, NY)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The evolving tech will likely enhance film industry capabilities.
- I worry about the cost of transitioning to approved drone sources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Logistics company manager (Seattle, WA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could place us at the forefront of delivery technology.
- Budget allocations might restrict smaller firms less able to pivot quickly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Public safety officer (Miami, FL)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased capability could make emergency response more efficient.
- Policy might increase costs and affect budget allocations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
University research scientist (Denver, CO)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy should provide more funding opportunities for research.
- However, it could limit the sources of equipment due to restrictions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Drone journalist (Boston, MA)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enhanced domestic drone capabilities could enhance my work.
- Limitations on foreign drones may raise costs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Defense contractor (Chicago, IL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Strengthening policies align with our operations and secure our market share.
- This policy reinforces national security measures against foreign threats.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $550000000 (Low: $450000000, High: $650000000)
Year 2: $560000000 (Low: $460000000, High: $660000000)
Year 3: $570000000 (Low: $470000000, High: $670000000)
Year 5: $580000000 (Low: $480000000, High: $680000000)
Year 10: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 100: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Key Considerations
- The initiative aligns with national security interests by restricting drone purchases from potentially adversarial countries.
- Coordination among multiple federal agencies could present challenges in terms of resource allocation and consistent strategic direction.
- Broader regulatory exemptions for research drones might influence innovation and competition in the industry.