Domestic Drones: Elements & Considerations for the U.S.

The integration of drones into U.S. skies is expected by many to yield significant commercial and societal benefits. Drones could be employed to inspect pipelines, survey crops, and monitor the weather. One newspaper has already used a drone to survey storm damage, and real estate agents have used them to survey property. In short, the extent of their potential domestic application is bound only by human ingenuity. This book explores some of the legal issues that will inevitably generate with the introduction of drones into U.S. skies. This book also discusses the fourth amendment’s implications and legislative responses; background and considerations for Congress of drones in domestic surveillance operations and pilotless drones; and provides a report to Congress on future unmanned aircraft systems training, operations, and sustainability.