Brooks Pierce partner Stephen Hartzell was recently quoted in a Triad Business Journal article called "Getting in on the game of drones" by Katie Arcieri. The article reported on the growing use of drones by local businesses, and the state and federal laws regulations that govern their use. Stephen talked about how the clarity these rules provide make it easier for businesses to use drones and for the drone economy to thrive.
“Once the FAA adopts its final rules, the market will be flooded with companies and people who are trying to get into the drone game,” Hartzell said. “At that point, everybody will know exactly what the requirements are going to be for commercial operations. That gives a certain sense of regulatory certainty.”
Hartzell said the FAA regs will also provide clarity on everything from what kind of license is required to “how high you can fly, to how fast can you fly, how late at night can you fly, how far away from clouds and airports can you fly, how close to people can you be. All that’s going to be governed by the feds.”
Even as states adopt their own rules, federal aviation officials have significant power over drone usage.
“North Carolina has specifically recognized that the FAA’s authority really reigns supreme,” Hartzell said.
Read the full article here. A subscription to the Triad Business Journal is required.