New Commercial Drone Rules Start This Week

The Federal Aviation Administration's new rules easing restrictions on commercial drone use came into effect on August 29.  Businesses will now have the freedom to easily train their employees to operate drones for a variety of tasks without having to deal with significant red tape.  The FAA now grants operators permission to fly drones under certain parameters without first asking for FAA approval.  Operators will still need to pass a FAA certification test, conduct standard flight logs, and fly in approved airspace, among other requirements.  Automated drone flightsare still prohibited.  Some operations can be conducted outside of the FAA's blanket parameters so long as approval is obtained before flying.

The new rules also free up some of the limitations on drone use for law enforcement and rescue operators, meaning that search and rescue operations can now be conducted through drone reconnaissance in certain airspace.  Expect to see drones used extensively in rescue missions in some of the more rugged areas of Arkansas starting this fall.