Before the FAA issued these rules, the agency had to decide on a case-by-case basis through an exemption application process which companies could operate drones commercially.
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The new rules are expected to make it easier for everyone from real estate agents to filmmakers to use unmanned aircraft systems – also known as UAS or drones – for their work.
Operators or an observer working with the operator must keep the drone within sight at all times.
The Federal Aviation Administration released new rules on commercial drone usage, but you shouldn’t expect your drone-delivered Amazon package anytime soon. “We’re already working on additional rules that will expand the range of operations”.
Industry estimates suggest that, over the next 10 years, commercial unmanned aircraft systems could generate more than $82 billion for the US economy and by 2025, the industry could be supporting as many as 100,000 new jobs. The new rules are created to provide a framework for the use of unmanned aircraft, with an emphasis on safety.
However, Flirtey added that it was “only one step” and the FAA needs to press ahead for “more progressive rules” that will allow for “a tier of companies with the strongest track records” to use drones to “fly over people and beyond the line of sight in order”. The DOT added that: “The FAA will make an online portal available to apply for these waivers in the months ahead”.
“Although we are continuing to review in detail, we are pleased that the FAA appears to have taken an approach to the commercial use of small drones that closely mirrors the risk-based permitting provision approach we proposed in the House FAA reauthorization bill”, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) and Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) said in a statement. The TSA will conduct a security background check on all applicants.
“The FAA is really making an effort to integrate these into the USA airspace and to be honest with you, the entire community thought it would never happen”, he said.
Lastly, Part 107 does not apply to model aircraft.
The new rules are very specific on what you can and can’t do with a drone.
“As drones have become cheaper, more accessible, and more sophisticated, the government has struggled to get a handle on how to regulate their use”.
Privacy issues are not included within the new rule and the FAA does not regulate how UAS gather data on people or property.
Critics argue an enforcement mechanism is missing from the rules. FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said the agency is researching how drone deliveries might safely be accomplished, but he declined to set a timetable for such rules.
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“Obviously it’s good for presentations, but also for surveying and other uses”, Wheatley said.
