Title
Urging the Federal Aviation Administration to investigate and further regulate the use of unmanned aircraft systems, known as drones, over private property after an increase of unidentified drone use in the greater Philadelphia area.
Body
WHEREAS, Unmanned aircraft systems, more commonly referred to as drones, were developed in the twentieth century for military use, but as costs fell and the technology developed, drones have become more common in a civilian context; and
WHEREAS, Drones are often used for their surveillance capabilities in a variety of circumstances including observing forest fires, event security, traffic monitoring, and other public-safety scenarios that an "eye in the sky" can assist; and
WHEREAS, As the civilization of drones has advanced, the concerns of improper use of such technology has increased, with many concerned that just about any one can get ahold of a drone to use for their own personal surveillance, violating the privacy of others; and
WHEREAS, In recent months, there has been a noticeable uptick in late-night drone use in surrounding counties that has caused concern as no clear answers have been given as to who owns and is operating these unmanned aircrafts despite small unmanned aircraft systems operating at night needing to be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration and hold valid airspace authorization; and
WHEREAS, As drones are a relatively new and evolving technology, the regulations laid out by the Federal Aviation Administration, the agency tasked with civil aviation regulation in the US and surrounding international waters, are also an evolving subject to be monitored by all operators and relevant enforcement agencies;
WHEREAS, Drone technology will only continue to develop and become more discrete, making it easier for bad actors to take advantage, violating the privacy of Philadelphians and creating potentially dangerous situations, demonstrating the need to get ahead of the problem before it...
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