New commercial drone rule takes effect

Long-awaited federal drone regulations took effect Monday, making it easier for businesses to use drones for commercial purposes and driving potential growth of Georgia’s drone industry.

The new Federal Aviation Administration rule allows drones to legally be used for commercial purposes without going through a special approval process, if the drones are operated by a certified remote pilot in compliance with safety requirements. The rule does not apply to recreational users.

Amy Hudnall, director of the Georgia Center of Innovation for Aerospace said in a written statement that the new rule "will allow for the development of many new business applications for drones, as more people find new ways to use these tools.... I'm sure we'll see some creative new applications as a result."