UPDATED 20:45 EDT / JANUARY 14 2019

EMERGING TECH

Proposed US rules would allow drones to be flown at night

The Trump administration has proposed new rules for flying drones that would allow the devices to be flown at night and over people without the need for special permission.

Driven by growing commercial interests in drones, the draft proposals from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration would still require drone operators to meet minimum requirements, including registration for both commercial drones and their operators.

Under the draft, drone operators will no longer require waivers to operate drones at night. Drones operated after dark would require “an anti-collision light illuminated and visible for at least three statute miles,” as well as testing and training, Reuters reported today. But operators of drones under 0.55 pounds (0.25 kilograms) would be able to fly their devices over crowds without any restrictions.

Larger drones are not ruled out, but the drone manufacturer rather than the owner or operator would be required to demonstrate that should the drone crash, the resulting injury would be “below a certain severity threshold.”

The larger drones would also be required to not have exposed rotating parts that could lacerate human skin. Use of drones over sizable gatherings of people such as concerts or protests will still be prohibited under the new rules.

“First, at long last, the department is ready to issue for comment a proposed new rule that would allow drones to fly overnight and over people without waivers, if certain conditions are met,” Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said at a meeting earlier today. “This will help communities reap the considerable economic benefits of this growing industry, and help our country remain a global technology leader.”

The news of loosened drone regulations comes at a time other countries are looking at cracking down. In December, Gatwick Airport in the U.K. was shut down for several days after rogue drones were seen near its main runway. The U.K. government said at the time that it was considering introducing new laws, including increased powers for police to shoot down drones.

Photo: Maxpixel

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