Which agency regulates sUAS operations in the United States?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for the regulation of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) operations in the United States. This includes establishing safety standards, developing operational guidelines, and overseeing the certification and registration process for sUAS. The FAA's primary mission is to ensure the safety of civil aviation, which extends to managing air traffic and integrating new technologies, such as drones, into the national airspace system.

The FAA's regulations for sUAS cover various aspects, including pilot certification, aircraft registration, operational limits, and safety protocols, thereby ensuring safe and efficient use of drones in both commercial and recreational settings. This regulatory framework is crucial for maintaining public safety and preventing accidents in the national airspace.

Other agencies mentioned have different mandates. For instance, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates transportation accidents and may analyze incidents involving sUAS, but it does not regulate their operations. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees communications, including frequencies used by sUAS but does not manage aviation safety or operations. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) focuses on national security and emergency management, not specifically on aviation regulations.