FAA Eyes Year-end Release Of Proposed Small UAS Rule
U.S. rules for commercial UAS use and interim exemptions are taking shape.
The AeroVironment Puma air vehicle is hand launched, weighs 13 pounds (5.9 kg) and has a wingspan of 9.2 feet (2.8 meters). The aircraft’s military acceptance cleared the way for limited approval for commercial ops in the Arctic.
The AeroVironment Puma air vehicle is hand launched, weighs 13 pounds (5.9 kg) and has a wingspan of 9.2 feet (2.8 meters). The aircraft’s military acceptance cleared the way for limited approval for commercial ops in the Arctic.

By the end of this year, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration expects to release a long-delayed draft rule that will begin to establish the conditions under which individuals and companies can fly small, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for commercial purposes. But concerns over potential privacy infringements could postpone the release of a final “small UAS” regulation until well into 2016. Routine flights by larger UAS will follow when standards become available to properly equip them for collision avoidance and command and control from the ground.