WASHINGTON (KFGO-AM) - Senator John Hoeven says the proposed new regulations released by the Federal aviation Adminstraton supporting the commercial use of small drones is "a start" but the FAA needs to do more before the technology can be used by businesses.
Hoeven says the administration still needs to outline an actual strategy for drone use that does the research needed so the UAS industry to reach what he says is its full potential.
Senator Heidi Heitkamp says the guidelines provide a "much needed step" in development of UAS technology development. In November, Heitkamp called on the FAA to issue safety and privacy guideliness so test sites can work to develop the technology.
Under the proposed regulations, drones would have to be flown within sight of the operator, and will be required to avoid hazards such as airports. Additionally, the drones will be required to fly below 500 feet. Operators will have to be at least 17 years old and must pass a federal exam.
Last week, the FAA announced it would expand the existing drone test space in North Dakota, essentially creating a test area that will cover two thirds of the state.
North Dakota is one of six test sites in the U.S. The Northern Plains UAS test site, based-out of Grand Forks will be the largest.