US to Relax Rules for Drone Flying

[Anmer]

The rules regarding flying drones in the United States have been greatly relaxed, paving the way for thousands of businesses to fly legally in the country's airspace.

Existing Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) rules had meant commercial operators needed a pilot's license in order to fly even small drones - a stipulation industry
advocates said was unnecessarily restrictive.

In addition to the license, commercial drone operators had to apply to the FAA on a case-by-case basis to gain permission. To date, only 5,300 commercial applicants were successful in gaining permission from the FAA, a tiny fraction of drones owned in the US.

From August, commercial drone operators will be able to fly by meeting much simpler criteria.

The regulations state that commercial drones can be flown as long as the pilot is over the age of 16, has the drone in his or her line of sight, and does not elevate to over 400 feet above ground level.

Daylight and twilight flying will be allowed only if the drone has lights that can be seen more than three miles away.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-36584515