Drone changes for business, FAA proposes rules

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NAPLES, Fla.- Thousands of Southwest Florida businesses could be cleared to fly drones under regulated rules this year. Congress ordered the FAA to integrate drones into the airspace by September.

WINK News spoke to local businesses and pilots who had a positive response to the draft rules.

A lot of drones are already in use. Many are used for recreational use but it may soon be time for drones to go to work.

“It could change the way the business is being done now, but really, it’s all about how you utilize it,” said Chuck Ardezzone of ITZ Media Group.

ITZ, which films reality shows and web videos, already has a drone in flight. As the rules stand now, companies cannot specifically charge for drone images or video.

“We put it in a package but there is no line item for a drone shot,” said Ardezzone.

With new rules proposed, it could all change. Congress is pushing the FAA commercialization and business regulation. It’s a step in the right direction says drone owner and local pilot Bill Earls.

“We want to create jobs and opportunities, but there has to be some type of accountability,” said Earls.

The FAA is posing a number of rules including drone operators must keep it within sight at all times, fly only in good weather, fly a maximum of 500 feet, a maximum speed of 100 mph, get a certification and not fly within 5 miles of an airport.

“I don’t want to swap paint with a drone up there on approach to the airport,” said Earls. “[Regulation] will give a peace of mind. I think it is necessary to have under control.”

ITZ says with commercialization, creativity will continue to reach new heights.

“Drones, there is a lot of money to be made with drone footage,” said Ardezzone. “They way we look at it, every business should have video on their website.”

To get certification under the proposed rules, you would have to pass a written test, be 17 or older, register the drone and pay $200 in fees.

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