Laying the groundwork for the expanded use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for non-recreational purposes, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed safety rules to govern operations of small UAS — those weighing less than 55 lb (25 kg).1
The FAA plan, which was outlined in a notice of proposed rule making (NPRM) published Feb. 23 in the U.S. Federal Register, would, among other things, limit flights of small UAS to daylight hours, within the visual line-of-sight of their operators.
The package of proposed rules is intended to allow “the routine use of certain small UAS in today’s aviation system while maintaining flexibility to accommodate future technological innovations,” the agency said.
The FAA will accept public comments on the NPRM until April 24. To further encourage public input, the agency plans public meetings to discuss “innovation and opportunities” at six existing UAS test sites across the country and at a planned UAS Ce…
