FAA finalizes Part 107 to remove barriers to drone flying

Today, the Federal Aviation Administration finalized Part 107-applicable to drones weighing less than 55 pounds-fulfilling its promise to remove barriers to drone flying, setting the stage for a boom commercial use of drones after only a limited number of businesses were allowed to operate drones commercially.

The US Department of Transportation shares estimates that Part 107 "could generate more than $82 billion for the US economy and create more than 100,000 new jobs over the next 10 years."

The potential lies in Part 107's operational rules, which take away previous restrictions to drone flying, such as requiring a pilot's license. Rather, operators are now required to earn a remote pilot airman certificate or be under the supervision of someone with the certification.

-Julie France