FW: Drones - Comment Period Ending Soon

[Aron - Soaring]

Good morning,

This was on my mind to do something.  I think the comment period ends October 6.

I just sent in my comments and it took about 5 minutes.

This seems like something pretty important for our sport.  Please send in your comments.

Below is the template from the USHPA September e-newsletter.  And the link where you put in your comments on the government website.

Thanks,

Let's go flying!  www.soaringroadtrip.com

Youtube.com/@soaringroadtrip

Aron

-------- Original message --------

From: wings hanggliding <wi...@aronlantz.com>

Date: 10/3/25 10:04 AM (GMT-05:00)

To: wings hanggliding <wi...@aronlantz.com>

Subject: Drones - Comment Period Ending Soon

A couple of months ago an Amazon delivery drone weighing 90 lbs and flying 60 mph narrowly missed colliding with the basket of a hot air balloon. This galvanized many airports organizations including USHPA to take a stand on the proposed rulemaking for drones operating “beyond visual line of sight”, or BVLOS. The rule will be known as FAA Part 108.  

 

 

 

You can help! There is currently a public comment period. Please copy and paste the letter below, or any version you’d like to send, at this link. Press the “comment” button on the right and you’ll see a place to paste your note and add your information.

 

 

 

James

 

 

 

————————————

 

Re: Docket No. FAA-2025-1908

 

To The Honorable: Sam Graves, Chairman, House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee:

 

 

 

I am a member of the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) and a participant in free flight. I am writing to comment on the draft rule for Part 108.

 

 

 

My aircraft flies slowly and has no motor. It is completely unrealistic to expect me to “see and avoid” a heavy drone traveling 60 mph or more. Unlike powered aircraft, I cannot simply “go around” if my landing path is obstructed. Any evasive maneuver while setting up to land may leave me unable to land safely at all.

 

 

 

My aircraft also has no engine or electrical system. It is not possible for me to carry or operate an electronic transponder or similar equipment. Because of this, requiring free-flight pilots to carry such devices would be unworkable and unsafe.

 

 

 

I strongly urge the FAA to require that all drones operating beyond visual line of sight be equipped with reliable detect-and-avoid technology. Drone operators must bear the responsibility to avoid collisions with hang gliders, paragliders, and other manned aircraft.

 

 

 

This is consistent with the recommendations in Appendix F of the BVLOS ARC report and with the longstanding right-of-way principles of aviation safety. Free flight is a vital form of aviation, and my safety in drone interactions depends on drones being able to actively avoid me.

 

 

 

Thank you for considering this input.

 

 

 

Sincerely,

 

[Your Name]

 

[City, State]

 

[Robert Slebodnik]

I agree with Aron. I hope all pilots will send in their comments. This is an important issue. I sent mine in a couple of weeks ago.

Bob Slebodnik 

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