New FAA Drone Rules Now In Effect
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FRISCO (CBS11) – New commercial drone regulations set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration are now in effect, and the owner of a North Texas drone retailer and training center has already seen a major uptick in business.
"The drone market is probably the fastest growing segment of the electronics industry right now," said Don Garland of Drones Plus Dallas in Frisco.
Garland said his last two drone training classes have been at capacity with people wanting to become certified drone operators.
The FAA now requires the following when operating a drone for commercial purposes:
Operator must be licensed
Drone must be registered
No night flying
No flying more than 400 feet
The unit may not weigh more than 55 pounds.
Garland said now that the regulations are in place and are clear, many people are rushing to become certified. He says it will provide an untapped industry for commercial drone photography.
"The overall total market is $75 billion is what the forecast," said Garland.
Drone enthusiast Taylor Vaughn says he is signed up to become certified because, "I want it to continue doing roof inspections, real estate photography."
Garland said in North Texas the biggest commercial use for drones include building, real estate, and crop surveying.
"Drones are going to become a part of our life," said Garland.
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