Safe Development, Research, and Opportunities Needed for Entrepreneurship Act of 2017 or the Safe DRONE Act of 2017

This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT), in coordination with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and industry stakeholders, to develop an implementation plan to achieve full operational capability of unmanned aircraft systems traffic management and to ensure the safety and security of all aircraft..

DOT shall designate consortia of public, two-year institutions of higher education as Community and Technical College Centers of Excellence in Small Unmanned Aircraft System Technology Training.

The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 is amended to extend the pilot program for the integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the National Airspace System through September 30, 2024. The bill permits the operation of unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) without specific operating authority from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) if specified conditions apply, such as if the aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or recreational use.

The FAA shall: (1) initiate a process to periodically update the operational parameters for drones, and (2) maintain on its website a list of community-based organizations under which small drones may be operated.

The bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report on developments and protections relating to cybersecurity and operational control concerns with respect to drones.