Commercial Operators of Small Drones Must Operate
Within Visual-Line-of-Sight, During Daylight Hours, at a Maximum
Ground Speed of 100 mph and Height of 400 Feet Unless They Obtain
Waiver
On June 21, 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration finalized
operational rules for commercial use of small (weighing less than
55 pounds) "unmanned aircraft systems" or drones.
New rules pertaining to these drones will be found in a new Part
107 to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The rules
contain certain limitations on operations including, but not
limited to: (1) operations must occur within an operator's
visual-line-of-sight; (2) no operations over individuals not
directly participating in the operation; (3) operations must occur
during daylight hours or 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes
after sunset if the UAS possesses anti-collision lighting; and (4)
operations must occur at a maximum groundspeed of 100 mph and at a
maximum altitude of 400 feet. Many
