Leading drone companies DJI, GoPro, 3DR, and Parrot have announced the formation of the Drone Manufacturers Alliance, which will serve as the voice for drone manufacturers and customers across markets including civilian, governmental, recreational, commercial, nonprofit and public safety.
The alliance, according to a statement, will "advocate for policies that promote innovation and safety, and create a practical and responsible regulatory framework." Significant economic and social benefits to drone operations exist, and those in the industry must work with policymakers to ensure a safe environment for flying. As such, the alliance believes a "carefully balanced regulatory framework requires input from all stakeholders and must recognize the value and necessity of continued technological innovation."
"By highlighting innovation and emphasizing education, we intend to work with policymakers to ensure drones continue to be safely integrated into the national airspace," they wrote.
These companies pulled out of the Small UAV Coalition, which serves as the industry’s most visible lobbying group and includes such backers as Google, Amazon, Intel, and Verizon, according to Fortune
"There is a lot happening in Washington around drones right now, and I think the companies felt the need to focus their efforts on policy issues that affect manufacturers of drones used in the recreational, commercial and other spaces," Kara Calvert, director of the new coalition told Fortune in an email. "In many cases, our policy position may fall in line with that of the UAV Coalition."
Pictured: The recently-launched vision-guided Phantom 4 drone from DJI.
View the Drone Manufacturers Alliance statement.
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