UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

The next major development in aviation is the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS,” also referred to as drones) into the national airspace system. The economic impact of the commercial use of UAS has been forecasted at nearly $100 billion by 2025.

Thompson Coburn’s multi-disciplinary practice group assists UAS users, manufacturers and interested third-parties in this rapidly developing area of the law.

Specifically, Thompson Coburn attorneys can provide guidance and assistance in several areas, including, but not limited to: monitoring the landscape of UAS regulation; assisting users and manufacturers in drafting responses to FAA Notices of Interpretation and/or Notices of Proposed Rule Making; providing counsel on the FAA authorization and exemption processes; drafting and filing FAA exemption requests seeking relief from current FAA certification requirements; preparing Standard Operating Procedures; drafting, reviewing and/or revising Flight Operations, Safety and Maintenance Manuals; and drafting or reviewing UAS service contracts.

Our attorneys are available to assist clients with issues related to insurance and risk management, state and local regulations, technology protection and transfer, privacy, cybersecurity, import/export, and litigation.

We can also provide counsel on the expanded use of UAS by companies in the following industries:

• Advertising 
• Aerial photography
• Aerial surveys/inspections
• Agriculture
• Conservation
• Construction
• Energy
• Environmental
• Insurance
• Law enforcement
• Manufacturing
• Maritime
• Motion picture/television
• Natural disaster response
• Oil and gas exploration
• Package delivery
• Public safety/first response
• Railroad
• Real estate
• Search & rescue
• Security
• Sports
• Telecommunications
• Utility power inspection
• Weather monitoring