The Federal Aviation Administration It approved the nation’s first fully automated commercial Drone flights.

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In my documents Posted on the FAA website, American Robotics Inc. Massachusetts was awarded a partial grant waiver on Jan.14 that allows drones to fly out of sight of a distant pilot.

The grant was signed by Robert C. Carty, Executive Vice President, Aviation Standards Service American robots To operate its Scout quadcopter with a maximum takeoff weight of 20 pounds, in rural areas for research, development and training.

According to the grant, American Robotics operation will only occur during daylight in low-altitude areas that are unregulated with light air traffic and will be limited to 400 feet above the ground.

Additionally, any single flights will occur within the controlled access limits of American Robotics customers FarmlandOr similar rural environments that meet the same standards.

„We conduct comprehensive safety assessments before issuing any approvals to operate drones,” the Federal Aviation Administration wrote to Fox Business on Saturday.

The agency also highlighted public interest in the issue, writing that regulators will learn more about automated operations by allowing American Robotics to move forward with its endeavors.

“Once adopted on a larger scale, such a scheme could bring efficiencies to the many industries that fuel our business Economy Like agriculture, TransportationMining, technology and non-durable manufacturing„In addition, operations will achieve a reduction in the environmental impact, as they will include a small aircraft that does not carry passengers or crew, instead of a significantly larger manned aircraft,” the agency added.

In order to meet the standards, American Robotics has tested fully automated drones for four years in eight states, according to the initial report. From the Wall Street Journal.

Marlboro’s reconnaissance UAVs operate pre-set programs and weigh less than 20 pounds. They also have built-in acoustic technology for avoiding birds and other planes, and safeguards to prevent malfunctions.

“With these approvals, American Robotics is ushering in a new era of automated large-scale drone operations,” American Robotics co-founder and CEO said at Press release.

“Decades of promises and dropouts are finally paying off” and will help open up the commercial drone market worth $ 100 billion.

Previously, the Federal Aviation Administration permitted drones Railroad checksIndustrial sites and pipelines were as long as pilots or observers were in sight.

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In December, the FAA He said it would be issued A long-awaited base to allow small drones to fly over people and into the night, as well as require remote recognition for most drones.

„The new rules pave the way for further integration of drones into our airspace by addressing safety and security concerns,” Federal Aviation Administration Director Steve Dixon said in a statement. “They are bringing us closer to the day when we will routinely witness drone operations like Parcel delivery. „