Local businesses could benefit from FAA drone clearance
They’re increasingly sharing the skies with planes: remote-operated drones, shooting high-quality videos while, for the most part, flying under the radar.
“You can get all these amazing shots you can’t get any other way,” said Tom Ford, a local FAA certified private pilot and drone operator. You can see his videos on www.ADroneAbove.com.
A new proposal by the Federal Aviation Administration would allow businesses to fly drones if they abide be the following rules:
the drone can weigh up to 55 pounds
they must be flown during daylight hours
they must be flown within sight of their pilots
they must fly less than 100 mph
they must stay below 500 feet in the air
operators must be at least 17 years old
operators must pass a written test
operators must register drone and pay around $200 in fees
As an experienced drone pilot, Ford says it’ll be hard to police the aircraft.
“I think they’re good ideas but I think only a handful of people will abide by the rules. I just think it will be very expensive to regulate and enforce,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Obama wants to make sure federal agencies using drones make location and surveillance information public. He signed a memo during his visit to Palm Springs codifying federal drone rules.
But the sky is the limit when it comes to potential for businesses, including valley real estate agencies. One of them hired Ford last year to help market a Palm Springs home.
“They look awesome and make the property look more expensive than it is. Especially if you have an upscale property,” Ford said.
The new FAA rules don’t apply to those who fly drones as a hobby; different policy for recreational use is already in place. It allows drones to fly within sight up to 400 feet high and fives miles away from an airport.
