One day, you may not have to wait for packages to be delivered by a truck. Instead, they will come over your head by drone. But they may look a little different from what you saw before. The Federal Aviation Administration announced on Monday new rules for so-called "unmanned aircraft" that weigh more than 0.55 pounds (or 0.25 kilograms) to operate around people.
Under the new rules, the FAA said drones will have to send their identification through a new system called Remote ID, which will help the government track both the drones and their base "control stations". Those who work at night must also have anti-collision lights, and drones must not have "exposed rotating parts" (like the leaflets) that could cut human skin. And people who manage the drones must have a drone pilot's license with them when operating the aircraft.
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"The new rules make way for the further integration of drones into our airspace by addressing safety concerns," FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said in a statement. "They're bringing us closer to the day when drone operations like parcel delivery are becoming more routine."
The rules announced on Monday are the latest in a series of steps to consolidate the rules for drone shipments and flights to the United States. Various parts of the US government have raised concerns about how drones could be misused. These concerns were compounded by a number of incidents in 2018 involving drones Gatwick Airport in London close.
It will take more than two years for the new rules to take effect, but civilian drones for sale in the US must be equipped with ID broadcast technology within 18 months, according to the FAA publication. Existing drones must also be retrofitted with a beacon system, and all drones must comply with these rules over the next few years.
See also: Best drones for 2020
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