Policy

Security, Safety Issues Block Civilian Use of Drones in U.S.

Only "civilian" use, mind you

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A government watchdog says safety and security obstacles raise concern that the Federal Aviation Administration won't be able meet a deadline to allow civilian drones routine access to U.S. skies within three years.

A Government Accountability Office report released Tuesday says the FAA has already missed one deadline set by Congress in a law passed last February, and could miss other looming deadlines. The law requires FAA to develop a system for civilian drones to fly safely in airspace currently limited to manned aircraft by Sept. 30, 2015, and sets several milestones for the agency to meet.