New rules make it easier to fly drones for business purposes

New federal rules go into effect Monday that make it easier for drone operators to legally fly the aircraft for business purposes.

The Federal Aviation Administration says 3,300 people have already signed up to take a pilots’ test Monday, and analysts expect there may be more than 170,000 commercially licensed drone operators by the end of the year.

The new rules are only for commercial drone users, not hobbyists.

For instance, someone who wants to fly a drone or fun only has to register with the FAA and pledge not to fly it near airports, planes or stadiums.

But someone who wants to fly a drone for a business purpose, such as a photographer who wants to get an aerial view of a fire or a crime scene, would have to get a license, which is available for the first time starting Monday for a cost of $150.

Industry experts say the licensing will open the floodgates, because previous rules for the commercial use of drones has been difficult.  Operators had to apply for an FAA waiver and pay several thousand dollars.

With the new regulations, all sorts of uses will become commonplace – for instance, aerial photography, farmers could use drones to check on crops and delivery services like Amazon has planned.

Under the new rules, operators have to be 16 or older to fly and they have to pass a written knowledge test and background check.

In addition, the drones can only be flown during daylight hours, have to be within sight of the pilot, and can't fly any higher than 400 feet.

Many believe the new commercial rules will lead to a boom in drone sales and jobs that could boost the economy.

Cox Media Group