The Federal Aviation Administration proposed new guidelines for commercial drone use that allow smaller drones to operate routinely. The guidelines would mandate that drones be flown within sight of operators; do not drop items; do not threaten people or property or other aircraft; do not exceed speeds of 100 mph or fly over 500 feet. (Gizmag, February 15, 2015, by Nick Lavars)
The proposal opens a new line of debate with new rules not expected to go into effect for another year or two. Matt Waite, founder of the Drone Journalism Lab at the University of Nebraska, NiemanLab, February 15, 2015, is hopeful that the rules will enable robust drone journalism within reasonable limits.
Work remains to establish clear, enforceable rules to protect the public’s privacy and security plus the free press rights of drone users, rules also that prevent drones from being used to spy on citizens. (Multichannel News, February 15, 2015, by John Eggerton)