FAA Releases New Drone Rule

The Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, has announced a new rule regarding unmanned aerial systems, or drones that goes into effect Monday, August 29^th.

Joe Mora with the FAA said he understands that some farmers might find it restrictive, but it really isn’t.

“The demand that we’ve seen and the operations that can be conducted especially in the farming industry, this opens up a whole new world of possibilities.”

The rules are based on the size, speed, weight and operational capabilities of the drones.

Gone is the need for a pilot license, as now operators can get a certificate, but the device must be registered, in line of sight at all times, stay less than 400 and only flown during daylight and civil twilight hours.

In addition Mora said, “The rule does prohibit operations over people. It’s a safety-based rule that says you must determine that you’re not over and you’re not so close as to cause a hazard.”

Drones must also give the right-of-way to manned flight craft.

For more, go to FAA.gov.