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10/10/2025
The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers–Transportation Division (SMART-TD) this week informed the Federal Aviation Administration of the union's safety concerns over railroads' increasing use of drones flying over active rail yards.
The nation's largest rail labor organization, SMART-TD made its comments to the FAA in response to the regulator's proposed performance-based regulations that would enable unmanned aircraft systems to operate at low altitudes beyond visual line of sight and for third-party services that support such operations.
In comments filed with the FAA, the union stressed that rail yards are worksites for crews.
“When a drone flies overhead, it’s not just a nuisance; it’s a distraction in one of the most dangerous work environments in America," said SMART-TD National Safety and Legislative Director Jared Cassity in a press release. "And make no mistake: If something goes wrong, it won’t be the manager behind the joystick who gets hurt. It’ll be one of our members. There is nothing cute, cool or futuristic about any of that.”
SMART-TD officials also cited national security risks involved in flying drones over rail yards. “Once drones are a common sight over critical infrastructure, we lose our ability to tell the difference between a company drone, a spy drone or one armed with explosives,” Cassity warned. “Railroads carry hazardous and combustible materials every day. Treating drones like harmless gadgets in that setting is not only irresponsible — it’s a national security risk.”
SMART-TD asked the FAA to ban all drone operations in active rail environments; require specific FAA authorization for any exceptions; mandate worker notification before any drone activity; impose strict training, licensing and security protocols for operators; and conduct risk analyses on drone-related distractions and accidents.