Jeffrey Bezos, the Chief Executive of Amazon.com, Inc.(NASDAQ:AMZN), has asked for exclusive airspace for the use of commercial drones.
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Researchers at Kansas State University’s Salina campus have found a unique solution to testing drones in a real-world environment while maintaining safety: They built a very big cage.
This computer simulation from Virginia Tech researchers shows the projected impact of an eight pound drone on a jet engine.
In addition, many of these new drone pilots will have adolescent brains with built-in poor judgment and impulsivity. This is particularly applicable for drones who will fly in proximity to airports. Any new rules and regulations are going to concern the privacy issue and the safety factors involved.
If individuals wish to operate a drone for commercial purposes, they must be a licensed pilot and apply for and obtain an FAA permit.
Previously, insurers have cited significantly liability and a lack of regulatory guidelines as making it hard for underwriters to craft well-rounded products for drone manufacturers and operators. So last week’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the FAA to establish a drone registration process seems like a logical and much needed next step.
The FAA has approved more than 2,000 exemptions for commercial drones that do such things as aerial photography, pipeline inspection and agricultural monitoring, USA Today notes.
The National Football League in September became the first major sports league to receive such permission, when the FAA granted NFL Films permission to use drones for filming over empty stadiums.
He says the technology’s been a boon for photographers and filmmakers and could shuttle life-saving resources to underdeveloped countries and revolutionize the logistics industry here at home. The announcement was backed up by representatives from The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems worldwide, the Academy of Model Aircraft, AirMap/ Small UAV Coalition and the Consumer Electronics Association.
Hobbyists, on the other hand, are permitted to operate at altitudes up 400 feet and also required to keep the drone within visual sight at all times. Regulators also hope that forcing owners to register will improve awareness of – and voluntary compliance with – the rules: Owners will know what the regulations are and feel more exposed to scrutiny if they mess up.
Given the increasing likelihood of a drone-related accident in the near future, this move, though long overdue, is the right way to handle the current frenzy.
Walmart said it was ready to move quickly once regulations are determined.
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“We have rules of the road”, said Sen. And firefighters want them to help battle wildfires.
