Warner applauds implementation of new federal drone rule

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) recently welcomed the implementation of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) small drone rule, which went into effect on Monday.

The new rule allows for certified commercial pilots to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) weighing up to 55 pounds during the daytime.

“Monday is a big day,” Warner said. “I’ve consistently urged the FAA to move forward with regulations to make safe operation of unmanned aircraft in U.S. airspace a reality, and implementation of this new rule is a major step forward. This will allow many small businesses in Virginia and across the country to more cheaply, safely and efficiently harness some of the enormous potential promised by this technology.”

The new drone rule makes it easier for industries like real estate, agriculture, insurance, energy and cinematography to use commercial drones to advance their businesses. Under the new guidelines, industries will no longer need to be granted an exemption from the FAA in order to operate UAS lawfully.

Virginia is home to one of six FAA-approved sites where researchers are testing the most effective ways to incorporate UAS into the existing airspace.

According to a 2013 report by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, the expansion of UAS technology could create approximately 100,000 jobs and generate $82 billion in economic activity in the first decade following implementation.