FAA Grounds Business That Catered To The Minneapolis Real Estate Market

It seemed like a pretty simple concept. Two friends that have been RC aircraft enthusiasts since they were kids, and who later started a video production and photography business, decided to put their two interests together ... and developed a thriving concern offering aerial views of homes and pretty much anything else to Realtors and other customers in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Charles Eide and Mike Danielson said they were shooting everything from construction sites to city attractions, according to a report from television station WCCO.

But then came the bad news, in the form of a call from the FAA's Minneapolis office. The two were told that the use of drones is not allowed for commercial purposes ... effectively shutting them down.

Eide told the station that, while he understands the need for regulation of airspace, he and his partner fly almost exclusively under 200 feet of altitude and never operate near airports. He said his company has its own "safety protocols", and that when you invest tens of thousands of dollars in equipment, you tend to fly safely.

The FAA said that flying in populated areas requires strict safety measures, but the station reports that the agency planned to look into the case late this week. "We need to work together here," Eide said.

FMI: www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/uas/reg/