Announced at AUVSI: FAA to expedite limited commercial UAS operations
NewsMay 13, 2014
ORLANDO, FL. Jim Williams, FAA Manager of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Integration, has announced at AUVSI 2014 conference that the FAA is currently working with several industries to expedite limited commercial operations of unmanned systems before the rules are finalized.
Williams says the FAA is expected to approve limited commercial UAS operations for powerline inspection, precision agriculture, flare stack inspection, and filmmaking. These specific industries approached the FAA for expedited approvals.
These industries represent the examples of commercial potential that were featured in the AUVSI 2013 economic report. According to the report, in the first decade following integration, the UAS industry would create more than 100,000 jobs and $82 billion.
Michael Toscano, AUVSI President and CEO, says: "We applaud the FAA for working collaboratively with the industry and other stakeholders to help UAS technology begin to take off. UASs have a host of societal and economic benefits, and many industries are clamoring to harness their capabilities. Limited commercial operations is a good first step, but we also need to begin the small UAS rulemaking immediately. We look forward to continue working with the FAA to advance UAS integration safely and responsibly."
For more information, visit www.auvsi.org.
