Wiley Rein to Present Expert Knowledge in First FAA-Sponsored Symposium on UAS Integration Issues

April 15, 2016

Washington, DC—Wiley Rein LLP will participate in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) first-ever unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) symposium focused on the technical, policy, and regulatory challenges of integration in the use of commercial drones. Organized by the FAA in conjunction with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the UAS Symposium will be held April 19 through April 20 in Daytona Beach, Florida. The two-day conference—featuring an array of industry experts and high-level specialists from government and academia—will provide a forum for the UAS industry and stakeholder community to provide input and feedback directly to FAA decision-makers on topics related to UAS integration. Scheduled keynote speakers include FAA Administrator Michael P. Huerta and Deputy Administrator Michael G. Whitaker.

Wiley Rein’s Michael A. Lewis, senior engineering advisor, will offer expert knowledge as part of a panel entitled “Technological Enablers and Restrictors” on Tuesday, April 19, from 3 p.m. to  4 p.m.; a breakout session the following day will delve more deeply into the same topic. At Wiley Rein, Mr. Lewis assists equipment manufacturers, commercial carriers, trade associations, and users of wireless telecommunications systems with a variety of spectrum-related regulatory matters before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). He also has broad experience in spectrum allocation proceedings for new wireless services.

Wiley Rein is the only law firm invited to present first-hand technical advice and expert knowledge for this high-profile conference. Key members of the firm’s UAS Working Group will be in attendance, including group chair R. Michael Senkowski; partner Anna M. Gomez, who served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information at National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce; partner and Communications Enforcement and Compliance co-chair Joshua S. Turner; consulting counsel Gary A. Michel, a senior attorney with extensive regulatory experience in the Office of Chief Counsel at the FAA; and associate Katy J. Milner.

Wiley Rein has been engaged in UAS matters since the outset of the FAA opening the door to commercial uses. Drawing on its wealth of experience representing clients before regulatory agencies, obtaining necessary authorizations and licenses, and advising clients on regulatory obligations, Wiley Rein has been significantly involved in the evolving legal landscape of UAS. Wiley Rein’s UAS attorneys represent clients from the telecom, insurance, aviation, agriculture, higher education, and manufacturing sectors.

Wiley Rein’s comprehensive UAS Working Group is well suited to assist clients on multiple fronts in this unique, complex, and dynamic area. The UAS Working Group includes lawyers and engineers experienced in aviation issues at the FAA, as well as privacy considerations at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), NTIA, and Congress, and spectrum needs being examined by the FCC, NTIA, U.S. Department of State, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and industry working groups.