An important development in the arena of unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAVs”) to report: The Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) has issued N8900.227, guidance about the national policy on unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS”) operational approval. (The entire policy statement is reproduced below.)

Among important legal highlights is the fact that civil applicants for UASs may now apply for Special Airworthiness Certificates from the FAA.

This 40+ page document is hopeful, this is a step in the right direction toward airworthiness regulations, operating rules, and perhaps even privacy guidelines for this emerging technology.