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11/02/2024 11:32:06 am

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FAA Proposed Drone Rules Get Mixed Reactions From Drone Enthusiasts

Alibaba Uses Drones In Deliveries For The First Time

(Photo : Reuters)

The Federal Aviation Administration's proposed rules for the use of commercial drones generated mixed reactions from drone enthusiasts.


The proposed rules released on Sunday resolve issues concerning the unmanned aircraft sharing the skies with commercial planes.

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The FAA proposal allows operators to fly their drones only during the day. Operators must have a direct line of sight with their aircraft.  The rules also set the maximum drone weight at 55 pounds.

The drones will not be allowed to fly higher than 500 feet and go over the speed of 100 mile per hour (mph).

Potential drone operators must be at least 17 years old and must pass a federal aeronautics exam before a certificate can be issued.

The use of drones has become so popular among hobbyists, small businesses, companies and even government entities, that government was forced to draft rules to regulate them.

Companies such as Amazon and Alibaba have begun using drones in their delivery system. 

Industries like photography and filmmaking have also included drones in their gear line-up, to add aerial view to their projects.   

With more people using the unmanned aircraft, experienced drone operators fear lack of flight training could lead to accidents.

Drone enthusiast and retired police officer Lou Castle cited as an example a Southwest Airlines plane that nearly collided with a drone at Los Angeles International Airport more than a week ago.

"The incident at LAX where the fella was flying at 4,000 feet - there's no business being at that altitude," Castle said.

But for filmmaker and drone enthusiast Eric Walden, the FAA's proposal is a welcome development in the filmmaking industry.

Walden says he plans to shoot his next commercial videos using drones. "I was very excited because it seems like they we're headed in the right direction." Walden said.

Walden also backs the FAA rule that requires drone flying certificates to be renewed every two years. 

He says this policy will help effectively screen those who are knowledgeable in operating drones from those who lack training to fly them.

While the proposed rules received cheers from most drone flyers, some businesses see it as an obstacle.

Amazon, a company which has developed a drone delivery system said they are still committed to deliver packages using drones.

Companies like Amazon will be greatly hit by the FAA rule that requires drones to be flown by an operator who could maintain direct visual contact with the aircraft.

Countries including Canada, the U.K. and Denmark are already using drones commercially.

The FAA drone rules could take into effect by 2017.

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