News FAA Releases New Drone Proposal

FAA Releases New Drone Proposal

FAA Releases New Drone Proposal
March 30, 2015 |

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released proposed safety rules for non-recreational use of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Feb. 15. 

The rules would limit flights to daylight and visual-line-of-sight operations. Also under the proposals, a UAS operator would have to be 17 years old, pass an aeronautical knowledge test and obtain an FAA UAS operator certificate. Operators would have to pass a test every two years to stay certified. 

“We’re encouraged to see these business-friendly proposals,” Alabama Farmers Federation Cotton, Soybean and Wheat and Feed Grains Divisions Director Carla Hornady said. “UAS hold potential as crop monitoring tools. We will continue to work with state and federal authorities to ensure farmers are given the tools they need while protecting their privacy.”

Industry experts say it could be 18 months or longer before the first rules are adopted. Farmers are still prohibited from flying drones without special approval from the FAA.

Public comments on the proposal will be accepted until April 24. 

To view the full proposal for small UAS and to leave a public comment, visit the website www.1.usa.gov/1FUL49Q.

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