The government unveiled a set of rules for non-recreational use of drone aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds, and said it would take public comment on the proposal for 60 days. The proposal advances the possibility of using drones in agriculture. Many stories have pointed to the usefulness of drones in crop scouting or the targeted application of chemicals. The FAA proposals would restrict use of drones to obtain an FAA certificate to operate a drone, and would require drones to remain within eyesight of the operator, stay below 500 feet altitude and travel at less than 100 mph. Flights would be limited to daylight.
The Washington Post said “thousands of businesses could receive clearance to fly drones two years from now,” if the rules are approved. “Once the rules are finalized, the FAA estimates that more than 7,000 businesses will obtain drone permits within three years,” said the Post. At present, businesses have to apply for case-by-case permission to use drones.