Small drones will be allowed to fly over people and at night.
The Federal Aviation Administration has given a significant step forward for the use of small drones in widespread commercial deliveries.
Until now, small drone operations were limited to only being over the people who were directly participating in the operation, located under a covered structure, or inside a stationary vehicle, unless operators had received a waiver from the FAA. Under its long-awaited new rules for drones (also known as unmanned aerial vehicles), drones can fly over people and also at night, although the nighttime rules are more complicated, the FAA said.
The rules will take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register in January. Drone manufacturers will have 18 months to begin producing drones with Remote ID, and operators will have an additional year to provide Remote ID —intended as security measures.
“The new rules make way for the further integration of drones into our airspace by addressing safety and security concerns,” FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said. “They get us closer to the day when we will more routinely see drone operations such as the delivery of packages.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the FAA as they expand opportunity for delivery services to utilize drones in more areas and at night.
- That drone operators be required to follow strict security measures and maintain public safety.
Sources: Reuters, ABC News
