The new commercial Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drone regulations go into effect this week, easing some burdensome regulations for farmers and agricultural companies. The new rules lift many expensive and strict commercial drone use requirements.
Before now, the FAA had required commercial drone operators to have a traditional pilot’s license.
The new rules permit anyone 16 or older to fly for hire if they pass a written knowledge test and background check, according to Bloomberg. The drones can only fly during daylight, within sight and no higher than 400 feet from the ground.
There are more than 3,300 people signed up to take the new test today.
Farmers will be able to scout their fields and crops with greater ease and less expense by using drones. The new rules will allow them to do so with fewer restrictions.
The new rules also bring more opportunity for growth within agriculture.
“The sky is going to open up at the end of August for a lot of opportunities,” Randy Yates of Omaha, Nebraska told Bloomberg. Yates plans to use drones to view rooftops and other difficult-to-reach locations.
The changes will also encourage drone companies to expand their development and growth.
“We’re going to see so much starting to develop,” said Brendan Schulman, vice president for policy and legal affairs at China’s SZ DJI Technology Co., the world’s largest civilian drone manufacturer.
Criminals will love the new rules. They can now do all their ranch casings from the comfort of their homes.