Wednesday 24 August 2016

Federal Aviation Administration is loosening regulation on who can fly drones



The Federal Aviation Administration announced it will allow companies to fly unmanned aircraft systems for profit, changing the way businesses operate.



"Currently we are only selling to recreational users, people who use them for their own personal use and property," said Owner of Dee & Mee Hobbies, Rich Zeller. "This opens up the doors for businesses to do better and help their customers."

The latest regulation change replaces the costly pilot license once needed to fly a drone with a book-based test, costing 150 dollars.

However, drones still can not weigh more than 55 pounds, can only be flown from sun up to sun down, and must remain below 400 feet and within eyesight.

"There is so much economic growth that is going to be made available in our state as this rule is proliferated," said K-DOT UAS Director, Bob Brock. "We are going to have people be safer in protecting their employees and provide services that haven't been made available today."

However, concerns remain on who'll ensure guidelines are met and airspace remains safe.

"I don't believe this creates safety issues so much as the lack of following the rules will create the safety issue," said Brock.

The FAA expects the new rule will add $82 billion to the U.S. economy and generate more than 100,000 new jobs over the next 10 years, changing the way we see drones.

"Expect to see drones a lot more frequently in the sky hopefully being safely used and operated," said Zeller.

The new rules take effect on August 29th. 
To find the nearest testing center and a study guide for the exam, you can go to the FAA website.

(culled from www.wibw.com)

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