FAA rules allow small drones to fly over people and at night

The final rules that were announced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in December went into effect today. The FAA rules allow small drones to fly over people and at night.

FAA rules allow small drones to fly over people and at night

Today, the new FAA rules that allow small drones to fly over people and at night if outfitted with the proper anti-collision lights, came into effect.

The change in administration had delayed the date that the FAA rules would become effective by one month.

Reuters reports that the FAA rules will ‘address security concerns by requiring remote identification technology in most cases to enable their identification from the ground.’

In the past, an FAA waiver was required to perform drone flights over people, unless the people were directly involved and participating in the operation, located under a covered structure, or inside a stationary vehicle.

“Today’s rules are an important first step in safely and securely managing the growing use of drones in our airspace, though more work remains on the journey to full integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS),” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. “The Department looks forward to working with stakeholders to ensure that our UAS policies keep pace with innovation, ensure the safety and security of our communities, and foster the economic competitiveness of our country.”

Drone makers have an 18-month time frame to begin manufacturing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) equipped with Remote ID. Drone operators will have an additional year before compliance is mandatory.

“Drones can provide virtually limitless benefits, and these new rules will ensure these important operations can grow safely and securely,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. “The FAA will continue to work closely with other Department of Transportation offices and stakeholders from across the drone community to take meaningful steps to integrate emerging technologies that safely support increased opportunities for more complex drone use.”

The new FAA rules no longer require that the drones will be connected to the internet to comply with Remote ID for Drones. Instead, the unmanned aircraft can broadcast the Remote ID information via radio frequency broadcast.

In a departure from the first proposed set of rules in 2019, small drones are now required to not have any exposed rotating parts that could possibly lacerate human skin.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had the following to say about the new FAA rules:

“Today, the FAA’s Remote Identification and Operations Over People rules are effective! These rules pave the way for future drone operations by expanding mission capabilities & setting the groundwork for Unmanned Traffic Management. Learn more at bit.ly/3vcaAqv. #drone.”

Today, the FAA's Remote Identification and Operations Over People rules are effective! These rules pave the way for future drone operations by expanding mission capabilities & setting the groundwork for Unmanned Traffic Management. Learn more at https://t.co/lH0BMMUCSQ. #drone pic.twitter.com/HHmvy2aAWA

— FAA Drone Zone (@FAADroneZone) April 21, 2021

Get your Part 107 Certificate

Pass the test and take to the skies with the Pilot Institute. We have helped thousands of people become airplane and commercial drone pilots. Our courses are designed by industry experts to help you pass FAA tests and achieve your dreams.

Stay in touch!

If you’d like to stay up to date with all the latest drone news, scoops, rumors, and reviews follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or…

Subscribe to our Daily Drone News email.*

Submit tips If you have information or tips that you would like to share with us, feel free to submit them here. Support DroneXL.co: You can support DroneXL.co by using these links when you make your next drone purchase: Adorama, Amazon, B&H, BestBuy, eBay, DJI, Parrot, and Yuneec. We make a small commission when you do so at no additional expense to you. Thank you for helping DroneXL grow! FTC: DroneXL.co uses affiliate links that generate income.

* We do not sell, share, rent out or spam your email, ever. Our email goes out on weekdays around 5:30 p.m.