Today, Brian Wynne, president and CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), released the following statement on the American Red Cross’ report on UAS for disaster response and relief:
“The Red Cross’ study highlights yet another valuable use of unmanned aircraft systems: disaster relief. This report calls attention to the need for the FAA to develop policies that would help both the government and nonprofit organizations take full advantage of this technology in an emergency. AUVSI urges the FAA to create a policy to allow for the rapid approval of UAS use in emergencies in order to reduce red tape in the event of a disaster.
“As has been demonstrated following the Fukushima nuclear accident and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, UAS can help relief workers to quickly and safely respond to disasters. Whether it is searching for survivors, helping provide firefighters with situational awareness or delivering medical supplies, UAS can help save time, money and, most importantly, lives in the crucial period following a disaster.”
