Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
FAA Issues 'Part 107' Final Regulation for Commercial Drones
More than a decade and several iterations in the making, Part 107 allows the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems for business purposes.
The DJI Inspire 1 quadcopter is thus far the leading small drone used by commercial exemption holders. (Photo: DJI)
The DJI Inspire 1 quadcopter is thus far the leading small drone used by commercial exemption holders. (Photo: DJI)

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has released a long-awaited final regulation allowing for the commercial, non-recreational use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)—popularly known as drones—weighing less than 55 pounds. The Part 107 regulation, which takes effect in late August, permits daylight-only flights that remain within the visual line of sight of the drone operator. Beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations and flights over people will require waivers to the rule.