Last week, the FAA published its proposal for new drone regulations that would cover commercial use of drones for photographers, cinematographers and other commercial uses.
The basics of the proposed regulations points to a handful of key restrictions noted below.
FAA Drone Safety Proposed Regulations Key Points
- Flights limited to daytime (sunrise to sunset, local time)
- Operator must maintain visual-line-of-sight operation
- Max altitude of 500 feet above ground level
- No flights over general public or people not involved in the operation
- One operator for each drone in flight
- Preflight inspection requirement
- 3-mile weather condition line of sight required
- Operator certification required (at FAA testing center & get TSA clearance)
- Testing required every 24 months
- 17 or older
- Document retention and inspection possible
- Accident reporting required
- Visual observer optional
- Aircraft registration and markings required
- Limited to drones under 55lbs
- Non-recreational use required to trigger restrictions
- microUAS drones (under 4.4lbs) may be operated over people (a proposed option)
- Previously exempted model aircraft does not apply other than certain National Airspace Safety requirements
The proposed regulations are now subject to public comment and change nothing just yet.
Read more at the FAA’s website.
