Clear for Takeoff: FAA’s Proposed Drone Rules Show Unexpected Flexibility

Exciting News: The FAA’s Proposed Drone Rules Are Finally Here!

With the rising popularity of drones, it was only a matter of time before the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stepped in to establish guidelines for their use. After months of anticipation, the details of the new drone program have finally been revealed, and they are not as strict as many had expected.

Over the weekend, a leaked document confirmed the FAA’s proposed drone usage rules. The highlights from this two-page document are outlined below.

What You Need to Know About the Proposed Drone Rules

One of the most important pieces of information from the FAA’s proposal is that drone pilots will now require special approval to legally operate drones. This includes being at least 17 years old, passing an aeronautical knowledge test, and obtaining an FAA UAS operator certificate.

While the document does not specify the difficulty or cost of this process, it is certainly less extensive than obtaining a private pilot license, as some rumors had previously suggested. Additionally, drone operators will need to take an FAA knowledge test every 24 months to maintain their license.

Other Notable Rules and Regulations

Line of Sight: Drone operators must always maintain visual contact with their drones and avoid any potential collisions with manned aircraft.
Safety First: Operators must discontinue flights if they pose a hazard to other aircraft, people, or property.
Emergency Awareness: Operators must assess weather conditions, airspace restrictions, and the presence of people to minimize risks in case they lose control of their drones.
No Flying Over People: Drones are prohibited from flying over individuals, except for those directly involved in the flight.
Altitude and Speed: Flights should be limited to a maximum altitude of 500 feet and a speed of 100 mph.
Restricted Areas: Operators must avoid airport flight paths, restricted airspace areas, and comply with any FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs).

If you’re interested in reading the entire FAA drone proposal, you can find it here.

As drone usage continues to grow, we can expect more regulations and debates in the future. In fact, President Obama has issued a Presidential Memorandum requiring federal agencies to publish their policies on collecting, retaining, and sharing video/information captured by drones to protect citizens’ rights.

For more information on the new FAA drone rules, check out these resources:

What are your thoughts on these new regulations? Share your opinions in the comments below!