Agriculture, Filmmaking, Other 'Low-Risk' Applications May Be Allowed

The FAA may finally be realizing that they can't catch and fine everyone who is using UAV for some "commercial" purposes. The agency is reportedly considering allowing the use of the aircraft in such "low-risk" applications as agriculture and filmmaking before the process of establishing formal rules is completed.

A report appearing on Bloomberg online indicates that the FAA is looking at industries that it considers "low-risk" and may issue operating permits for UAVs that post no security risk and weigh less than 55 pounds.

Jim Williams, the head of the FAA's Unmanned Aircraft Division, said in a speech at the AUVSI conference last week that the agency is already fielding requests, and is considering expedited approvals for such operations. Michael Toscano, president and CEO of the AUVSI, said that the association "applauds" the FAA "for working collaboratively with the industry and other stakeholders"

The agency's official timeline would have a proposed rule ready for comments in November, but it is looking at ways it could give companies faster approvals for flights that would not pose safety concerns.

FMI: www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/uas