FAA, DoT Finalize Drone Rules: Check Them Out!

Experts have been pointing out the need for regulation for the use of commercial drones in the United States for quite a while now. And, it seems their voices have finally been heard. On Tuesday, the Department of Transportation’s (DoT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the finalization of a first set of operational rules for the commercial use of small, unmanned aircraft systems, commonly denominated drones, which will take effect in late August.

The aim of the new rules is to integrate drones into the U.S. airspace, creating new opportunities for private and public entities. In addition, the Department of Transportation explained, “These new regulations work to harness new innovations safely, to spur job growth, advance critical scientific research and save lives.”

Related Link: Screenshots Of Leaked FAA Drone Rule Summary Still Popping Up Online

As per industry estimates, the new regulations could create opportunities for the United States to generate more than $82 billion and create more than 100 thousand new jobs over the next decade.

The extensive rulebook currently allows commercial drones that weigh up to 55 pounds and are conducting non-hobbyist operations, to fly during the daytime only. The UAS’ are not allowed to fly higher than 400 feet in the air — unless they are within 400 feet of a taller building. The new regulations also address line of sight issues, speed restrictions, and several other operational factors.

Finally, it should be noted that only people 16 years old or older will be allowed to operate said drones, and only after acquiring a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating, which needs to be reviewed every two years.

Some large companies affected by the new regulation include Amazon.com, Inc. AMZN, GoPro Inc GPRO, Ambarella Inc AMBA and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. WMT.

Disclosure: Javier Hasse holds no positions in any of the securities mentioned above.