Company That Shot The Video Had No Special Exemption From The Agency

A promotional video being used by the city of Nashua, NH on its "Nashua Dares" website features video captured using a camera mounted on a UAV ... and the production company openly admits it has not received a special exemption from the FAA to conduct such flights.

The city may also run afoul of the FAA's rules by hiring the company to make the video, which it says was selected specifically for its ability to provide such dramatic aerial images. In awarding the $7,000 contract for two short videos, Thomas Galligani, Nashua Economic Development Director, said in a memo that the use of such new technology is what set New Sky Productions apart from its competitors, according to a report in the Nashua Telegraph.

The video reportedly has a close-up view of the golden eagle that adorns the top of City Hall among its clips.

New Sky Productions co-founder Grant Morris, who lives in Nashua said that the FAA's policies are out of date, and it should revisit the use of UAVs for commercial purposes. He said many companies are using them despite the FAA's ban, and "they need to start licensing it."

Morris said he understands that it is a hot-button issue, and his company is "testing the waters" with the FAA. He said safety should be everyone's top priority, but that such aircraft "are being used all over the place today," and the FAA's policies are not keeping up with the technology.

FMI: www.faa.gov