As drone technology continues to advance, it is important that the guidelines that support the drone industry advance as well.  For the safety of both drone operators and bystanders the FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) enforces strict regulations on drone use.  There is no argument that regulations need to be in place, but these regulations have become outdated based on how drones are being designed and used now.  These regulations do not apply to a backyard drone hobbyist, but to anyone wishing to use their drone for any type of commercial venture.

To be able to use a drone commercially you must become a licensed operator.  Whether you plan to use a drone to take real estate photos or artistic photos, making a professional or YouTube video, or even gathering research or performing search and rescue, if there is any monetization you must be certified.  The certification needed is called the Part 107 and is relatively easy to obtain.  The FAA needs to make sure that anyone using a drone to make money, not just for personal enjoyment, is doing so with the knowledge necessary.  Just like you need a license to drive a car, you need one to fly a drone.

One of the rules put forth by the FAA is that drone operators cannot fly over people, out of line of site, or at night.  There are exemptions to this rule.  A formal request to bypass it can be submitted to the FAA to obtain a waiver.  However, 99% of these requests are denied.  This is a regulation that has been proven to impede the drone industry though because it is based off of outdated drone technology and the demands that drone operators face.

The drones being used now have greater stability and safety measures which do make them safer for flight out of sight, in the dark, and over people.  More so, the projects that drone operators are being hired for now require them to fly in the above mentioned scenarios.  The FAA is taking all of this into consideration and will be making amends to their regulations. Elaine Chao, the US Secretary of Transportation is heading the changes needed.  She said, “The possibilities for innovation in unmanned aircraft technology are virtually boundless and that the industry can move in ways that no one can predict.” 

They are not fully changing Part 107, but refreshing it to meet the needs of the market.  Some of the key changes will include lessening restrictions on line of sight, night flights, and flight over crowds.  Now if a pilot becomes licensed for it, they will be able to fly at night without having to go through a wavier process.  The drone also has to be equipped with anti-collision lighting that is visible from 3 miles away.  For being able to fly over individuals who are not a part of the drone operator’s crew several changes are being made.

The first amendment states that small drones (less than 0.55lbs) can freely fly over individuals without and paperwork as they really are to small to cause any damage.  A Part 107 will still be needed for commercial purposes though.  Secondly, larger drones can be flown over crowds if they are part of a group that has been tested to be safe in such environments.  Meaning that they are constructed in a way that prevents crashes, and if they do crash their body design will not pose great harm.  And finally, larger drones will be allowed to fly over people in a controlled environment provided that all individuals present are aware of the proceedings.

This is a big step towards furthering the drone industry.  It will allow drone operators greater freedoms to increase their business while still allowing the FAA to monitor and provide safety rubrics.  It is important to maintain an updated Part 107 license for this to be effective.  If you are considering using a drone for commercial reasons, do so responsibly and obtain a license.