Drones May Soon Be Allowed to Fly at Night and Over Crowds without Waivers

Yesterday, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced a proposed new rule that would allow drones to fly overnight and over people without waivers. To be eligible for these privileges, a drone operator would need to have received training and completed a test. Additionally, the drone would be required to be equipped with anti-collision lighting. Secretary Chao also announced an initiative that seeks to identify drone safety and security concerns, which is intended to be informed by inputs received from the public. The details of the newly announced proposed rule and initiative will be published in the Federal Register at a date that has yet to be determined. The public will be invited to submit their comments to each up to 60 days from the time the details are published. Read the U.S. Department of Transportation announcement at the Federal Aviation Administration.