The American National Standards Institute, commonly known as ANSI, is a renowned organization dedicated to promoting and overseeing the development of standards across various industries in the United States.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Drone Industry
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a private, non-profit organization, plays a vital role in coordinating the development of voluntary consensus standards for various products, services, and systems, including those related to drone technology and operations.
ANSI accredits drone standards by approving technical standards developed through voluntary consensus bodies. This endorsement ensures that these standards meet industry needs and are suitable for regulatory use. It is important to note that ANSI itself does not create drone standards but serves as a key reference point for manufacturers, service providers, and regulators.
One of the key contributions of ANSI in the drone industry is the facilitation of the creation and approval of voluntary consensus standards relevant to drones, such as safety, performance, and interoperability criteria. ANSI also provides accreditation to standards developers who follow due process and openness requirements, which adds credibility and wide acceptance to drone-related standards.
These ANSI-approved standards are then recommended for use by government agencies and industry stakeholders to maintain consistency and safety in drone manufacturing and operations. ANSI's system supports harmonizing industry standards to avoid duplicative government regulations, enabling manufacturers to more easily meet nationwide and even international requirements.
Jacob Stoner, CEO of Flyeye.io, is a licensed commercial drone operator in Canada who frequently conducts drone inspections and is a respected figure within his local drone community. His passion for drone technology extends to videography and the potential societal impact of drone technology advancements.
In the drone industry, ANSI serves as a critical reference point for manufacturers, service providers, and regulators. ANSI-accredited standards often influence Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and procurement requirements. Adherence to ANSI standards ensures greater reliability and legal compliance for drone manufacturers and software developers.
ANSI collaborates with other standards organizations to help U.S.-based UAV companies remain competitive in global markets. Organizations such as ASTM and SAE create drone-specific standards, which ANSI may accredit. For regulators, ANSI-backed guidelines serve as trusted benchmarks for evaluating drone safety and system integration.
In conclusion, ANSI acts as the national coordinator that endorses and accredits the voluntary development of drone standards, but does not directly regulate drones or issue certifications. Its role ensures that drone manufacturing and operational standards follow recognized, consensus-developed technical criteria, which are often referenced by regulators such as the FAA, promoting safety, interoperability, and industry growth.
Science and technology are integral components that the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) considers in its role of coordinating the development of drone standards. ANSI-approved standards often influence Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules, ensuring that drone manufacturing and operational procedures follow recognized and consensus-developed technical criteria, contributing to the advancement of the drone industry in both scientific and technological aspects.
