People who fly small drones as a hobby may have increased FAA regulations if companies like Alphabet, Amazon and Ford get their way. A loophole can be closed that allows some private or occasional users to bypass some federal restrictions and exert additional pressure on those who use drones recreationally.
Bloomberg reported last week that the move is supported by the Commercial Drone Alliance, which has members that include Time Warner Inc. Amazon has separately backed such steps that would enforce regulations on all drone users. In December, the FAA obtained its wish with a law that re-established the registration of small drones for devices of 0.55 pounds or more, after a judge had previously annulled it in a case filed in court by a drone user. The technology companies also supported that law. But those who had experience flying toy planes opposed the final decision, arguing that they already had the proper guidelines.
And the International Unmanned Vehicle Systems Association then said, "Congress clearly embraced the need to push the country forward in the march towards full integration of UAS, including operations out of line of sight, flights over people, access to higher altitudes and even package delivery. "
As drones become more popular, more laws are enacted about their users. And as retailers prepare to use them as devices or package delivery assistants, the groups urge regulators to create more restrictions.
