A new commercial drone law that apply to unmanned aircraft weighint under 55 pounds will take effect today, August 29.
The first detailed U.S. rules regulating the flights of small commercial drones will come into effect today, according to The Wall Street Journal. The federal drone law is also including a ban on nighttime operations and requirements for pilots nationwide licensing.
According to ABC 8News, the new rules created by the Federal Aviation Administration apply strictly to the commercial use of drones. Brian Wynne, the chief executive of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, explained the potential impact the new laws will have, stating that this is certainly an important moment but it will not have an instantaneously effect "like a light switch going on."
Before being allowed to fly, those people interested in becoming drones pilots will have to pass an examination testing their theoretical knowledge and flight skills. The first exam opportunity is already scheduled for today, at 8 AM. As much as 3,351 people so far are already signed on the list of those waiting to take the test.
The president of Computer Assisted Testing Service, Mark Dennehy, is the one who will be managing the test. He said that he observed that much enthusiasm has been generated by the opportunity to take the drone piloting license.
Among the things that make drones so appealing is their ability to provide aerial video and photos considerably cheaper than other methods. This technology can be used to survey, aid in search and rescue missions, aid in fighting fires, manage construction, monitor crops and make movies.
The main rules introduced by the new FAA drone law are a prohibition on flying over people not consenting and directly involved and the interdiction to flight at night. Drones must also weight under 55 pounds, are prohibited from flying higher than 400 feet and must remain visible to the person operating it. The new rules also introduce limits on drone services, like, for instance, autonomous delivery.
Prior to the new regulations there were already more than 3,000 businesses that had government exemptions to fly drones. The analysts believe that the new rules will simplify the process of legal drone flights.
