Businesses can now fly drones legally in the U.S.
- 8 years ago
WASHINGTON — Commercial drone operations became legal in the U.S. on Monday, but the rules will limit just how much businesses can really use the devices.
New U.S. federal laws say commercial drones can weigh no more than 55 pounds. The weight limit includes cargo, such as packages or cameras, according to a news release from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Commercial drones are not allowed to fly any higher than 400 feet, and must not exceed a top speed of 100 m.p.h.
Pilots have to pass a written test and must maintain visual contact with their drones, which are not allowed to fly over anyone not directly involved with the operation, nor are they allowed to fly at night.
Line of sight and weight restrictions mean we’re not likely to see drone deliveries from companies like Amazon or Domino’s Pizza anytime soon, according to the Washington Post.
The new laws also probably won’t benefit oil and gas companies who want to inspect pipelines, or farmers with large fields, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Nevertheless, the laws are a milestone for the industry, and more than 3,000 people have already applied for pilot certification.
New U.S. federal laws say commercial drones can weigh no more than 55 pounds. The weight limit includes cargo, such as packages or cameras, according to a news release from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Commercial drones are not allowed to fly any higher than 400 feet, and must not exceed a top speed of 100 m.p.h.
Pilots have to pass a written test and must maintain visual contact with their drones, which are not allowed to fly over anyone not directly involved with the operation, nor are they allowed to fly at night.
Line of sight and weight restrictions mean we’re not likely to see drone deliveries from companies like Amazon or Domino’s Pizza anytime soon, according to the Washington Post.
The new laws also probably won’t benefit oil and gas companies who want to inspect pipelines, or farmers with large fields, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Nevertheless, the laws are a milestone for the industry, and more than 3,000 people have already applied for pilot certification.