GROUND RULES FOR COMMERCIAL DRONES

In June this year, the US unveiled a set of ground rules for the use of small commercial drones which will enable the safe expansion of a new generation of aviation technologies that will create jobs, enhance public safety and advance scientific inquiry. The new rules provide the first national, uniform guidelines for non-recreational operation of unmanned aircraft systems under 55 pounds. Drone flights will be permitted for commercial, scientific, and educational purposes, pursuant to a set of operational and safety requirements. Noting that aviation technologies in recent years have emerged that are powering a revolution in unmanned flight, the White House said that the development of these technologies has made drones commercially available. The rules included a requirement for unmanned aircraft to stay at least five miles from airports and, among other reasonable restrictions, generally fly at an altitude below 400 feet, creating a safe buffer between unmanned and manned aircraft, which can generally fly no lower than 500 feet.