Donald Scarinci
Firm Managing Partner
201-896-4100 dscarinci@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Up, Up and Away? FAA Proposes Commercial Drone Regulations
Author: Donald Scarinci
Date: May 28, 2015
Key Contacts
Back
In February, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released its much-anticipated commercial drone regulations.
While the proposed drone regulations relax some restrictions, there is still along way to go before businesses will be able to fly the friendly skies.
The FAA’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking addresses the growing proliferation of small, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), more commonly called “drones.” Under current rules, drones can only be used for recreational purposes, unless the operator obtains special authorization from the FAA.
Under the FAA’s proposed framework:
- A small UAS is defined as less than 55 pounds.
- Small UAS operators must be at least 17 years old, pass an aeronautical knowledge test and obtain an FAA certificate.
- Small UAS operators must maintain visual line of sight (even if using a spotter) and may only operate during daylight hours
- A small UAS may not fly over people, except those directly involved with the flight.
- Operators cannot allow any object to be dropped from the UAS.
- Flights are limited to 500 feet altitude and no faster than 100 mph.
- Operators must stay out of airport flight paths and restricted airspace areas, and obey any FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs).
The proposed rule also addresses the possibility of an additional, more flexible framework for “micro” UAS under 4.4 pounds. The FAA is asking the public to comment on this possible classification to determine whether it should include this option as part of a final rule.
Separately, the White House issued a Presidential Memorandum regarding privacy, civil rights, and civil liberty concerns raised by the federal government’s use of UAS within the United States. The administration also indicated that it plans to meet with stakeholders to “develop and communicate best practices for privacy, accountability and transparency issues regarding commercial and private UAS use.”
While the FAA’s rule proposal is certainly a good start, businesses that wish to legally use drones will still need to obtain an exemption for the foreseeable future. At a recent Congressional hearing, Gerald Dillingham, the director of civil aviation for the Government Accountability Office, testified that he did not expect finalized rules until at least 2017.
- Practices: Corporate Transactions & Business
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Smart Contract Legal Issues: Drafting Agreements for Blockchain
Smart contracts feature a unique blend of legal agreement and technical code. This innovation has the potential to reshape how business is conducted. At the same time, smart contract legal issues around enforceability, jurisdiction, identity, and compliance are common. The legal framework for these self-executing agreements is still evolving. What Are Smart Contracts? Smart contracts, […]
Author: Bryce S. Robins
Are Stay Interviews the Key to Retaining Top Talent?
Retaining top talent continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing employers today. Even in an employer’s market, the loss of a key employee can disrupt operations and result in significant costs. While compensation plays a role, long-term retention often depends on workplace culture, communication, and employee engagement. One increasingly popular strategy for improving […]
Author: Angela A. Turiano
Why Secured Transactions Are Important
Secured transactions form the backbone of a wide range of business dealings, including business loans, mortgages, and inventory financing. Because the stakes are often high and relatively minor oversights can have drastic consequences, lenders and borrowers should thoroughly understand how to form an enforceable security agreement that protects their legal rights. What Is a Secured […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Don’t Cash a “Paid in Full” Check Without Understanding the Legal Implications
Cashing a check marked “paid in full” can be a risky endeavor, particularly if you don’t fully understanding the legal implications. If you are owed more than the amount of the check you accept and deposit, you may waive your right to collect the full disputed amount. That is why you should consider either rejecting […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Changes to Qualified Small Business Stock Will Benefit Startup Founders and Investors
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) significantly impacts federal taxes, credits, and deductions. A key change relating to Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) allows greater tax-free gains for investments in startups and other qualifying small businesses. Company founders and other investors should understand how the enhanced tax strategy works or risk missing […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Corporate Consolidation and Antitrust Issues in Mergers
Corporate consolidation involves two or more businesses merging to become a single larger entity. The result is often a stronger and more competitive company that can better navigate today’s competitive marketplace. What Is Corporate Consolidation? Corporate consolidation closely resembles a basic merger transaction. The primary difference is that a consolidation creates an entirely new business […]
Author: Dan Brecher
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.