The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a new set of rules concerning the use of drones, which could legalize commercial drone flights if approved by the federal agency.
The new rules do not add any new restrictions, as the agency incorporated drones into the existing aviation framework.
"We have tried to be flexible in writing these rules," said Michael Huerta, FAA administrator, in a statement. "We want to maintain today's outstanding level of aviation safety without placing an undue regulatory burden on an emerging industry."
The rules (PDF) are much more relaxed than many thought they would be. Drone operators will be required to obtain a certificate specifically for drone flying and this includes commercial pilots who may want become drone pilots. Drone operators will have to pass a test but will not have to log any set hours of practice. There is also a minimum age of 17 and the operator cannot fly more than one drone at a time.
Commercial drones will also have to stay under 500 feet in the air, under 100 mph (87 knots) and will not be able to fly at night. The FAA defines a drone as being less than 55 pounds.
The new rules should bode well for the burgeoning industry, as drones do not need FAA airworthiness certification. This means it will be much easier for drone makers to get drones into the market.
"The proposed rules show that FAA was listening to various coalitions and public input," said chief executive of SkyPan International Mark Segal. "Once in place the rule will be excellent."
The rules aren't all good, however. One of the most restrictive parts of the new rules states drones are only allowed to fly in the line of sight of the operator. Many in the industry feel this will stifle an automated drone revolution, with automation being largely where the world is going.
This may also put a damper on Amazon's plans to start delivering goods via automated drones. If drones have to be in line of sight of the operator, then using drones to deliver goods likely may not prove economical. Amazon, however, said it will keep working on plans to deliver goods via automated drones.
"We are committed to realizing our vision for Prime Air and are prepared to deploy where we have the regulatory support we need," said Amazon VP Paul Misener.
The fact that drones must not be flown at night is also a problem for some, especially in certain agricultural applications. Some suggest drones should be allowed to fly at night provided they're properly lit so that other air traffic can see them.
Only time will tell if consumers will eventually have packages delivered by Amazon drones, or if that's just a dream.
