WASHINGTON: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Tuesday unveiled long-awaited new rules that clear the way for small, commercial drones to operate across US airspace -- but don’t expect an aerial delivery from Amazon just yet.
Under the FAA’s rules, drone operators will be allowed to fly commercial craft weighing less than 55 pounds (25 kilos) during daylight hours, provided they can maintain a clear view of the drone at all times.
While that effectively precludes the sort of robo-delivery services being developed by Amazon and other major vendors, the new rules will nonetheless ensure drones become increasingly commonplace in the skies.
Drone operators no longer need to have a full pilot’s license. Now, they need only to be 16 years old, vetted by the Transportation Security Administration, and to pass an FAA test for a two-year certification.
Previously, commercial drone users had to apply for special waivers to operate their craft, and authorities had approved thousands of these on a case-by-case basis.
The White House cites industry estimates suggesting drones could generate more than US$82bil (RM330.6bil) for the US economy over the coming decade, creating some 100,000 new jobs.
The FAA foresees a number of commercial drone uses, including for crop inspection, scientific research, and checking bridges and infrastructure for signs of wear. Media outfits want to use drone technology in news gathering.
But the rules, which take effect in late August, mean commercial drones cannot be flown over anyone not “directly participating in the operation,“ meaning an unmanned craft cannot hover over random groups of bystanders.
Commercial drones will be restricted to a maximum altitude of 400 ft (120 metres) and a top speed of 100 mph (160 kph).
“We want to make sure we are striking the right balance between innovation and safety,” Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx said.
The drone economy
The Obama administration had come under heavy criticism for its perceived slowness in establishing drone regulations, while the technology evolved at a rapid clip.
The new rules do not delve into the contentious issue of privacy arising from increased drone use, with the FAA deferring to state and local laws governing the use of data gathering.
The FAA said it would provide all drone users with recommended privacy guidelines as part of their registration process.
Drone operators can apply for waivers for many of the new restrictions, provided they can show a proposed flight poses no safety risks.
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said his agency is already looking to commercial drone uses beyond those outlined Tuesday.
“This is just our first step,” he said. “We’re already working on additional rules that will expand the range of operations.”
As the world’s largest online retailer, Amazon raised eyebrows in late 2013 with its plan to airlift small parcels to customers by drone in select markets, less than 30 minutes after an order is received.
It has gone to other countries to flight-test its evolving technology, including a secret location in the western Canadian province of British Columbia.
Other tech giants including Alphabet, the parent company of Google, and China’s Alibaba are pursuing similar plans. - AFP
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