Reaction To Grant Of Additional Exemptions For Commercial Use

Following the FAA's decision to grant exemptions to four companies to fly UAS for aerial surveying, construction site monitoring and oil rig flare stack inspections, Michael Toscano, president & CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), called on the administrator to quickly begin the formal rulemaking process for the aircraft.

“We are excited to see the FAA grant these exemptions for commercial use of UAS and to begin to unlock the various benefits of this technology," Toscano said in a statement. "Allowing UAS operations for aerial surveying, construction site monitoring and oil rig flare stack inspections will help companies to do their work more safely and efficiently.

“While this is a positive step, granting exemptions on a case by case basis is not an effective way to regulate the use of UAS in the long term. The FAA needs to begin the rulemaking process and finalize a rule for the use of UAS as quickly as possible to allow UAS technology to realize its full potential and allow a wide range of industries to reap its benefits.”

FMI: www.auvsi.org