FAA, corporations & aviation groups draft new safety rules for flying drones near humans

A public/private committee organized by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has suggested preliminary rule changes for how close drones might fly to people, which could open up potential uses of the technology, such as air delivery.

"If it weighs less than 250 grams, or .55 pounds, you're approved, you can operate it over somebody's head," said FAA drone integration office director Earl Lawrence, quoted by BuzzFeed News. Lawrence helped co-chair the committee, which had the participation of 27 drone companies and aviation groups. Currently, no drone is allowed to fly within 500 feet of another person for fear of injury.

Lawrence argued that there's less than a 1 percent chance of a drone that small seriously injuring someone. Accordingly, such craft might be allowed to fly as close as 20 feet overhead or 10 feet to the side as they take off and land.

The committee suggested that weightier drones might also fly overhead, but only after their makers submit their drones to crash tests, and supply a safety affidavit to the FAA. Companies would have to prove that a craft has less than a 1 percent chance of serious injury.

Corporations participating in the committee included DJI, GoogleX, GoPro, and 3D Robotics.

Before being adopted, the committee's proposals must still pass FAA scrutiny, and as well as a period of public commentary. The group was also split on whether drone operators should have to pass an on-site test and government background check, or simply an online test, though the majority backed the latter option.

Some of the best-known drones might still be obligated to stay well away from humans. DJI's Phantom 4, for example, weighs 3 pounds and can travel as fast as 45 miles per hour.