Avigation is not a typo; it’s a threat to drone ops say two industry orgs

The nation’s leading consumer electronics and top unmanned aviation orgs are not huge fans of avigation easements. Note: That’s not a typo, but we’ll explain.

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) today issued a statement of “concern” about avigation legislation in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and West Virginia that would stymie drone operations by dividing airspace, imposing leasing regulations and fee collection.

“CTA is concerned about the increasing number of state-level bills that would restrict drone operations and essentially create toll roads in the skies,” said Douglas Johnson, vice president of technology policy, CTA. “If enacted, this type of legislation will curtail industry growth and harm local drone businesses and all those who benefit from this versatile technology – from farmers to rural residents and homebound patients.”

“We need a continuation of national rules…