The commercial drone industry just got a boost from the Federal Aviation Administration — four companies have been granted permission to use the technology.
The FAA’s ruling on Wednesday brings the total number of companies allowed to operate commercial drones in the U.S. to 13.
Trimble Navigation Limited (TRMB), VDOS Global, Clayco Inc. and Woolpert Inc. will use the drones for aerial surveillance, construction site monitoring and oil rig flare stack inspections, The Associated Press reported Wednesday.
“The FAA’s first priority is the safety of our nation’s aviation system,” FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said Wednesday, USA Today reported. “Today’s exemptions are a step toward integrating (unmanned aerial systems) operations safely.”
The drones employed by each company will weigh less than 55 pounds and stay within the line of sight of an operator while in use, AP reported.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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