The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in action that it says will open pathways toward the eventual full integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the nation’s airspace, has issued a final rule for the routine commercial use of small UAS — those weighing 55 lb (25 kg) or less.1
The rule — the first in the United States for commercially operated UAS, also known as drones or remotely piloted aircraft — is designed to “harness new innovations safely, to spur job growth, advance critical scientific research and save lives,” the FAA said in announcing its action in late June.
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx added, “We are part of a new era in aviation, and the potential for unmanned aircraft will make it safer and easier to do certain jobs, gather information and deploy disaster relief.”
Groups representing UAS operators and the aerospace industry called the FAA action a positive step and a “critical milestone” in the process of incorpo…
