I could see autonomous UAVs being handled separately; you're right that I'm assuming that "drones" today have pilots ultimately responsible for them, which I th

I could see autonomous UAVs being handled separately; you're right that I'm assuming that "drones" today have pilots ultimately responsible for them, which I think is in reality true. I wouldn't mean for a certification pathway for UAV operators to exclude autonomous operation, but it's certainly a harder problem. It will probably be similar to current aircraft certification. Small companies have long histories of building and certifying airframes, so I don't buy your argument that it would "seriously stunt" drones. A company that can raise money can go through airframe and type certification. The costs come down in proportion to airframe fabrication and fuel costs. It's one thing to let cities set their own rules for local flights below 400 ft. What happens when a software bug sends you up to 1,000 ft? Accidentally busts Class B airspace? These are similar issues as being seen with autonomous cars and can't be easily waved away.