The Alliance for Drone Innovation (ADI) – a policy-oriented coalition of manufacturers, suppliers, and software developers of personal and professional drones – has commenced operations to represent the interests of individuals, businesses, governments, scientists, academics and others who fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the U.S.
Jenny Rosenberg, former U.S. Department of Transportation acting assistant secretary for aviation and international affairs, serves as the group’s executive director.
“We look forward to working with Congress, the administration and other stakeholders on policies that promote innovation and allow the drone market to flourish in a responsible and safe manner,” says Rosenberg.
ADI is the successor organization to the Drone Manufacturers Alliance, which was formed in 2016. The new group says its expanded mission and reach reflect the growing number of stakeholders working to develop new technological capabilities of drones, as well as the increased legislative and regulatory activity.
Current ADI members include original Drone Manufacturers Alliance members GoPro, DJI and 3DR, as well as new members: Skycatch, Horizon Hobby, Indemnis, Kittyhawk, Fat Shark, Pelican Drones, Multicopter Warehouse, MOTA, DroneNerds and xCraft.
The group says it promotes awareness among policymakers, media and the general public of how drones help society – in turn, ensuring that government policies allow everyone to achieve the benefits of safe and responsible UAS flight.
Specifically, ADI plans to preserve the role of the Federal Aviation Administration and Congress in regulating the National Airspace System for drones, help create a reasonable regulatory framework for the smallest “micro” drones, and foster technological solutions that eliminate the need for static technology mandates.
