The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved this week the first fully automated commercial drone flights, providing a small green light company to operate drones without direct supervision by human controllers or manned pilots.
The FAA decision requires that drones operate only in rural areas at altitudes below 400 feet, although it is still an important moment in the efforts of farmers, miners and others to promote the increased commercial use of drones in their work.
The agency said in approval documents posted on its website that the widespread commercial use of automatic drones could bring “efficiency to many industries that fuel our economy, such as agriculture, mining, transportation and unsustainable production.”
“Moreover, the operations will reduce the impact on the environment, as they will involve a small aircraft that does not carry passengers or crew, rather than an aircraft with a significantly larger crew. Given these considerations, the little one [unmanned aircraft systems] The UAS operation that the petitioner will carry out on the basis of this exemption is in the public interest “, said the FAA.
The FAA has previously approved drones to inspect infrastructure, such as railroads and pipelines. American Robotics Inc., based in Marlborough, Massachusetts, has gained new FAA approval.
Company-led Scout drones fly on predefined flight schedules and have technology they can use to avoid birds and other aircraft. The drones weigh less than £ 20, according to The Wall Street Journal, which was the first to report FAA approval.
The FAA decision follows four years of testing in eight states and raises the prospect of broader testing for other industries.