New Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules for operating commercial drones went into effect in the US this week, making it easier for businesses to use the flying robots for a variety of applications.
Among a host of FAA requirements are that drones must weigh less than 25 kilograms (55 pounds), remain in the operator’s visual line of sight, operate during daylight, fly at a maximum height of 400 feet and groundspeed of 100 mph.
The new rules also require those flying a small unmanned aircraft to obtain a remote pilot certificate with a specialised rating, which requires taking a 60-part multiple choice test.
The new process is easier than the previous requirement which demanded that drone operators apply for special waivers to use unmanned aerial vehicles for business, such as building or bridge inspections, surveying, filming and photography, search and rescue, or even package delivery.
