Background on Donald Trump and Relevance
Donald J. Trump served as the 45th president of the United States from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021. During his presidency, Trump focused on various policy areas, including national security and technological advancements. His administration took steps to address emerging threats, such as drone surveillance and the need for faster air travel.
Key Actions and Decrees
- Creation of a Working Group: Trump established a working group to ensure control over US skies, expand restrictions on sensitive locations, and increase federal use of technology for real-time drone detection.
- Drone Policy Changes: The president aims to enable routine drone usage, crucial for commercial drone deliveries, and reduce US reliance on Chinese drone manufacturers. Additionally, the decrees support vertical takeoff and landing electric aircraft trials.
- FAA Supersonic Flight Limit Removal: Trump directed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to lift a 1973 ban on supersonic flight over land, provided the aircraft do not create audible sonic booms.
Context and Impact
The issue of suspicious drones gained significant attention last year following numerous sightings in New Jersey. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) receives over 1,000 drone sighting reports monthly near airports. Occasionally, these sightings have disrupted flights and sporting events.
Trump’s decrees aim to protect US borders from security threats, including aerial ones, especially with large public events like the Olympics and World Cup approaching. By addressing drone concerns, his administration seeks to facilitate commercial drone deliveries while minimizing foreign and criminal misuse of drones in US airspace.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main objective of Trump’s decrees? The primary goal is to strengthen US defenses against drone threats and promote supersonic flight advancements.
- What is the working group’s purpose? The working group aims to ensure control of US skies, expand restrictions on sensitive locations, and increase real-time drone detection technology usage.
- How will these decrees impact commercial drone deliveries? By enabling routine drone usage, these decrees pave the way for commercial drone deliveries, reducing US dependence on foreign drone manufacturers.
- What changes does the FAA face regarding supersonic flights? The FAA must lift a 1973 ban on supersonic flight over land, provided the aircraft do not produce audible sonic booms.
Additional Context on Supersonic Flights
Supersonic flights have faced criticism from environmentalists due to their higher fuel consumption per passenger compared to subsonic aircraft. However, Trump’s decrees aim to advance supersonic technology while mitigating concerns about sonic booms disrupting life on the ground.
