FAA proposes safety rules for commercial drones

Notice of proposed rulemaking would cover drones under 55 pounds.    The Federal Aviation Administration on Sunday issued proposed regulations governing commercial unmanned aerial vehicles for uses such as inspecting radio and TV towers, crops, and oil and gas pipelines. Small package delivery likely is not feasible because the requirement that operators maintain visual line-of-sight with the vehicle.
   The drone proposal offers safety rules for vehicles under 55 pounds. Flights would be limited to daylight, a 500-foot altitude and a speed of 100 mph. Certified remote operators would be required to stay away from airport flight paths and restricted airspace.
   The agency said it continues to work on a set of more flexible rules for micro unmanned aerial systems under 4.4 pounds.
   “We have tried to be flexible in writing these rules,” FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said in a statement. “We want to maintain today’s outstanding level of aviation safety without placing an undue regulatory burden on an emerging industry.” 
   The public has 60 days to comment on the proposal.
   The current unmanned aircraft rules remain in place until the FAA implements a final new rule.