FAA loosens rules for commercial drone use

Restrictions on commercial drone use are tight. Commercial operators have had to carry a manned aircraft pilot’s license or acquire a waiver, which can be a lengthy process.

But by August, it will become easier to operate a commercial drone.

On Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration announced a new set of rules for the use of unmanned aircraft for commercial purposes.

The new rule offers regulations for drones weighing less than 55 pounds being used for non-hobbyist purposes.

The rules mean commercial operators can fly drones without special permission.

Operators, who must be at least 16 years old, would register their drones online as they already are required to do, pass an exam at an FAA-approved testing center and pass a TSA-administered background check.

The operator also will be expected to maintain safety standards for the aircraft before each flight.

“Before this change, the regulations were almost completely prohibitive for small business,” Oral R. Friend, a local videographer and unmanned aircraft owner, said in an email.

“Now, I plan on applying for the new commercial license ASAP.”

Videographer Andrew Chronister is getting his pilot’s license to comply with the original regulation.

He’s a co-owner of Aerovictus, a company that provides aerial imaging for farms and other agriculture businesses.

While it might be disappointing to see regulations loosen just after going through the required hoops, he plans to continue.

“I would like to be able to fly and be legit before August, when the rule goes into effect,” Chronister said.

“I’m always wary of more regulations on commerce, but in this case, it’s understandable,” Friend said.

“The people and companies that are wanting to use these platforms for business will be, by their very nature, more apt to learn and follow safety guidelines so as to maintain licensing for their business use.”

Jack Mitchell, owner of Tailwinds R/C Hobby Center in Cape Girardeau, said the new rule is a step in the right direction.

Drone technology will only increase, he said, and in August it will be easier to use drones not only commercially, but for things such as disaster relief and search and rescue.

The new rule will increase the market for aerial photography in a variety of businesses, from farming to real estate.

According to a news release from the FAA, the rule could generate more than $82 billion for the U.S. economy and create more than 100,000 new jobs over the next 10 years.

Tim Merideth, owner of Century 21 Ashland Realty in Cape Girardeau, said there are great possibilities for drone use in his industry — in marketing properties for sale to the public and for inspection services.

John Mehner, president of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, said several businesses in the region use aerial videography via drones, and he expects to see more.

The new regulations will make it easier for those interested in aerial videography to practice it while following FAA regulations, but Chronister and Mitchell don’t expect to see a big increase in competition.

“The people who want to get involved have probably already done it,” Chronister said. “They just have an avenue to do it without fear that the FAA’s going to knock on their door.”

bbrown@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3630