On June 21st, the Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) released a final rule governing the use of small unmanned aerial systems or Drones. The final rule creates a clearer pathway for real estate professionals to use drones for commercial purposes. This is a change sought by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) and is a victory for REALTORS across the nation. “The rules will help more real estate professionals take flight, making the efficiency and innovation that drones have to offer available to a much broader base of operators,” commented NAR President Tom Salomone.
The new rule eliminates the requirement that drone operators have to hold a pilot’s license. Operators, however, will have to comply with strict requirements designed to protect people on the ground. NAR is continuing to work on further easing restrictions on micro-drones, those weighing less than four pounds. These drones pose a much smaller safety risk than the larger drones, according to experts.