In recent months there has been much discussion over the pros and cons of drone commercialization in regards to its effect on economy, uses, and potential risks to the public. In 2012, Congress passed the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 in favor of the commercialization of drones which proposed general rules for small unmanned aircraft systems conducting non-recreational operations. Although speculations about these new rules in regards to United States’ businesses and economy are promising, issues such as privacy and safety have been neglected. The history of drones derived from the Wright Brother’s breakthrough experimentation with manned aircraft flight. Nearly a century later, “swift technological …show more content…
Because of the FAA’s Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 these commercial industries are seeing a foundation being laid for a much larger spectrum of drone technology utilization. Currently, regulatory agencies are attempting to define what and how these drones may be used outside of military applications. For instance, the FAA offers safety regulations, “for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) under fifty five pounds conducting non-recreational operations” (“Regulations Will Facilitate…”). In addition to this, “the rules would limit flights to daylight and visual-line-of-sight operations, include height restrictions, operator certification, aircraft registration and marking, and operation limits” (“Regulations Will Facilitate…”). Some specific rules include, “A small UAS operator must assess weather conditions, airspace restrictions and the location of people to lessen risks if he or she loses control of the UAS” (“Regulations Will Facilitate…”). As well as, “Flights should be limited to 500 feet altitude and no faster than 100 mph” (Regulations Will Facilitate…”). These regulations are an attempt to ensure as much safety in what could become much crowed airspace from just over our heads to where helicopters and low flying aircraft currently …show more content…
This minimizes human risk by allowing remote navigation and control. For example, “Terrestrial” drones such as remotely operated robots have long been used by police for initial investigations of possible bomb threats. According to Gregory McNeal, an expert in law and policy, “unmanned aerial vehicles have assisted law enforcement agencies at the federal level, including the FBI, DEA, U.S. Customs, and the US Border Patrol” (McNeal). These machines effectively keep officers and civilians safe by substituting for human involvement in drug busts and hostage situations (Woods). Not only can drones eliminate human fatality in law enforcement but also during times of natural disasters. Jason Margolis, a journalist from the University of California at Berkley, mentions that drones could be used to send medical supplies and food to remote locations effected by hurricane disasters such as Katrina or