Drone Advisory Council (DAC)
Founding Charter
v1, updated 20230901
In the rapidly evolving realm of drone technology, various initiatives have surfaced, championed by government and industry leaders. While some have shown promise, their momentum often dissipates, distracted by novelties like flying cars or lost in a swirl of bureaucracy.
The Drone Advisory Council (DAC) emerges from this backdrop, intent on harnessing its members' collective expertise, experience, and networks. We aim to voice concerns, craft solutions, and drive substantive progress. Rooted in a commitment to a Common Operating Picture (COP) and the full integration of drones throughout the National Airspace System (NAS), the DAC seeks to unite the airspace landscape, advocating for the safe, compliant, and progressive use of drones across recreational, commercial, and public safety spheres.
"To advance drone technology and capabilities through transparency, advocacy, and action, fostering a harmonized airspace for recreational, commercial, and public safety purposes."
The DAC envisions an inclusive and progressive drone ecosystem where transparency drives action. We aim to be an open platform, inviting all interested stakeholders to collaborate fostering tangible advancements across communities, states, and national airspace.
We aim to drive progress and action in three core ways.
1. Formative
At the outset of new ideas, from legislation to industry standards bodies, real and practical drone perspectives are often missed, pilot considerations overlooked, and technological realities underappreciated. At these earliest stages, the DAC will seek to provide structured and pragmatic work products with the intent of course-correcting and level-setting at the earliest possible stages.
2. Substantive
As new regulations begin to take shape, beginning with Aviation Rulemaking Committees (ARCs) and transitioning to proposed rules and ultimately formal final rules, the DAC will play a vital role in advocating for our mission and the unwavering advancement of the drone industry. As we have seen with Remote ID rulemaking and the current discussions around BVLOS rulemaking, there is a real need for advocacy to implement these rules promptly and functionally. The DAC will provide a forum for our community to bring together ideas, data, and solutions that fit our mission and result in action.
3. Enduring
As new regulations come into effect, evolution and advocacy will still be needed. The DAC will provide the venue, data, and backdrop for this work for the benefit of all pilots. LAANC, for example, has been in the market for over 5 years. There are still areas that need improvement and require action, such as the ongoing efforts to improve Further Coordination capabilities and air traffic performance. Remote ID is likely to be similar where even years into Remote ID implementation, the market of drone pilots needs further technologies and improved regulatory clarity.
Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee (AAAC) recommendations to the FAA are another great example of thoughtful expertise and solutions that often go nowhere. The DAC will be a platform where great ideas from all industry groups around the world can sustain and build momentum. We believe in sustained advocacy and unrelenting support for safe and valuable ideas until they are enacted by the relative regulators and/or government agencies.
The DAC’s near-term objectives include:
The DAC’s long-term objectives speak to the true potential of drone flight to transform education, elevate commerce, and improve humanity. At the founding of the DAC, long-term objectives include:
The DAC operates on an open membership structure, welcoming all individuals and organizations interested in shaping the future of drones. Members are encouraged to share insights, attend meetings, and actively participate in the DAC's initiatives. While we value every voice, we expect members to respect the collective ethos of the council, working collaboratively and constructively towards our shared mission.
To foster innovation and agility, the DAC adopts a flat organizational structure. This approach empowers members, allowing the best ideas to flourish and passionate individuals to lead specific initiatives. Overseeing this structure is the Executive Council, initially comprising select founding members. As the DAC evolves, mechanisms for nominating and voting individuals into the council will be established, ensuring representation and dynamism.
The DAC is committed to fostering community through regular interactions. However, recognizing the value of members' time, meetings will be strategic and purpose-driven. All meetings and associated documentation will be publicly available, echoing our commitment to transparency. As we grow, these meetings' frequency, nature, and format will be adapted to best serve our mission and membership.
Embracing a decentralized, member-driven approach, the DAC encourages forming ad hoc groups to tackle specific challenges or interests. These groups operate with autonomy but under the broader DAC mission, concluding once their objectives are met. Regular updates and feedback mechanisms ensure alignment and transparency across all initiatives.
Trust and transparency govern the DAC's approach to funding. Potential sources include memberships, grants, donations, and sponsorships, all vetted for alignment with our values. All financial operations, from sources of funds to expenditures, will be openly disclosed, ensuring accountability and building community trust.
Our charter, while foundational, is not rigid. Members can propose amendments, which the Executive Council will review in alignment with our mission. This flexible approach ensures the DAC remains relevant and responsive in a dynamic landscape.
The DAC is always open to collaborations that resonate with our mission. All partnerships are vetted for mutual benefit, ensuring both parties work towards a common goal: advancing the drone industry.
Clear and consistent communication is vital. The DAC commits to keeping members and the broader community informed, echoing our mission in all outreach efforts.
Constructive conflict resolution, rooted in transparency and action, is a DAC hallmark. Open dialogue and mutual respect are encouraged, ensuring solutions benefit the collective.
While committed to longevity, the DAC acknowledges the need for orderly dissolution, if ever necessary. Any remaining assets will be directed towards advancing the drone community, in line with our mission.
Ratification of the Charter
This charter, representing the foundational principles and operational guidelines of the Drone Advisory Council (DAC), has been carefully deliberated and crafted with the collective vision and values of the drone community in mind. By the signatures below, the Executive Council formally adopts and ratifies this charter, committing to uphold and champion its tenets. This charter shall be in effect as of [specified date], marking a significant step towards a harmonized and progressive drone ecosystem.
/s/ Greg Agvent /s/ Jon Hegranes
Founder, Windsock ADM CEO & Founder, Aloft
/s/ Dave Krause /s/ Dave Messina
President, Influential Drones President, FPV Freedom Coalition
/s/ Vic Moss /s/ Greg Reverdiau
VP, Drone Service Providers Alliance Co-Founder, Pilot Institute
/s/ Charles Werner
Director, DRONERESPONDERS