Requests Follow High-Profile Announcement Allowing For Use By Film And TV Production Companies

The FAA has received more than a dozen new applications for exemptions to its UAV prohibition following the high-profile announcement that six TV and film production companies will be allowed to fly the aircraft.

Reuters reports that there have been 57 applications for relief from the UAV ban this year. Jim Williams, manager of the FAA's office of unmanned aircraft systems integration, said there were only 40 applications when the six were approved late in September.

Williams said at a recent industry conference that the FAA still hopes to have proposed rules for UAV flights published by the end of the year, but that the agency is still addressing safety and privacy issues raised by the use of the aircraft. He said he is working closely with the UK to learn about their experiences in the rulemaking process.

He also said the exemption does not allow the film and television companies to use their aircraft without specific authorization, and that would apply to any other company that is given permission for commercial use of a UAV.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.faa.gov