On Thursday, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gave permission to six television and film firms, which allows these firms to use drones are Astraeus Aerial, Aerial MOB, HeliVideo Productions, Pictorvision Inc., RC Pro Productions Consulting, and Snaproll Media.
This approval has marked a major advance for the advance for the growing industry of drones. This ruling does reverse the restrictions that were previously placed on the commercial use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones. It was determined by the FAA that the drones do not need a FAA certificate of airworthiness. This is based upon the Federal Aviation Administration's finding that the drones do not pose a threat to national security or airspace users.
There are restrictions to the use of the drones. The drones must weigh 55 pounds or less used within the sight of the remote pilot, the pilot must have a certified pilot's license, flown under 400 feet in altitude, cannot be operated at night and be inspected before each flight.
According to Variety, movies like Skyfall and the Harry Potter movies have been using drones that are camera mounted for aerial shots. But the filming for these movies was done in other countries, which it was allowed. In an interview with Variety reporter Ted Johnson, a spokesperson for Aerial MOB, Tony Carmean, "The consumer wins because now they are going to get better quality filmmaking because of the kinds of shots this allows."
The fact that the drones will be shooting in controlled environment played in the decision of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to allow film and television to use drones. The six televisions and films firms are in support of the drones because it would be safer and cheaper. The use of drones for film and television gives creators another way to push the creative boundaries and create scenes and shots that could only be imagined years ago. The FAA's decision will help encourage more movie and television in the US.