Metro Detroit Company Gets FAA Approval For Drone Use
SOUTH LYON (WWJ/AP) - A metro Detroit company has received Federal Aviation Administration approval for commercial-application drone photography and videography.
The FAA has proposed rules that would change the way unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, are regulated. Jonathon Freye, director for policy and strategy for South Lyon-based Aerius Flight LCC, told MLive.com that it is the fist firm in Michigan to receive an exemption for commercial use.
"It was our interpretation that the only way to do this and be on the up-and-up was to request the exemption from the FAA," Freye said.
The FAA also has approved exemptions for other uses around the country. The Michigan State Police have approval for an aerial drone designed to aid in investigations.
Freye said the company is gearing up to use the drones commercially. He says real estate agents, for example, have shown interest in using them to showcase higher-end listings or larger properties. Flights also are expected for farmers and event venues.
"We're working on starting slowly and learning from people that have already been established in the industry and growing from there," he said.
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