Advanced Air Mobility Amendments
The bill has far-reaching implications for local governance, particularly concerning the establishment and enforcement of ordinances related to unmanned aircraft. Under SB 24, political subdivisions are restricted from enacting laws surrounding the private use of unmanned aircraft and advanced air mobility systems unless explicitly authorized. This preemption could reduce local control over aviation safety and operational regulations, thus centralizing authority within state agencies. Consequently, local governments might have less flexibility to tailor regulations to fit the specific needs or safety concerns of their communities regarding aerial transport.
Senate Bill 24, also known as the Advanced Air Mobility Amendments, introduces significant changes to the regulation and operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility systems in Utah. The bill defines key terms, reorganizes existing provisions, and enhances the powers of the Division of Aeronautics for oversight of aircraft, including vertiports for advanced air mobility. It also mandates the registration of unmanned aircraft and gives rulemaking authority to the Department of Transportation regarding registration fees and requirements, aiming to create a streamlined regulatory framework for these aviation technologies.
The sentiment surrounding SB 24 appears mixed. Proponents argue that by standardizing regulations and removing local barriers, the bill encourages innovation and development in the burgeoning field of advanced air mobility. They see it as a necessary step to embrace new technologies and improve air traffic management. Conversely, opponents express concerns about the reduction of local oversight potentially leading to safety risks and liabilities as local municipalities may be stripped of the ability to address community-specific aviation issues.
A notable point of contention arises from the preemption of local ordinances. Critics of the bill worry that it undermines local governments' abilities to manage air mobility issues pertinent to their unique contexts, thus jeopardizing public safety in areas that may not conform to broad state-level policies. Furthermore, the registration and potential fees could introduce barriers to entry for smaller businesses in the aviation sector, raising questions about the true accessibility of advanced air mobility solutions.