FAA Grants Hollywood Freedom To Film With Drones

The FAA has given permission to six movie and television companies, allowing them to use drones to shoot scenes for their productions. This groundbreaking decision reverses former rigid restrictions on the commercial use of unmanned aircraft systems, more commonly known as drones, within US airspace. The FAA is currently looking into approving a seventh company, Flying Cam, which had filed for exemptions back in June of this year.

The FAA has granted permission for drones to be used in the film and television industry.

The permissions are not without restrictions: The UAS are not permitted to operate at night, and the aircraft that is being used, are required to be inspected before each flight.

Michael Huerta, of the FAA, stated, ‘We are thoroughly satisfied these operations will not pose a hazard to other aircraft or to people and property on the ground” so it looks as though there is a compromise between the FAA and the entertainment industry.

Anthony Foxx, the US Transportation Secretary said, “Today’s announcement is a significant milestone in broadening commercial UAS use while ensuring we maintain our world-class safety record in all forms of flight…These companies are blazing a trail that others are already following, offering the promise of new advances in agriculture and utility safety and maintenance.”