FAA Considers Letting Film/TV Companies Use Drones for First Time

The FAA is reviewing a request by seven film and television companies to use drones when filming. The companies hope to use drones to achieve creative aerial shots, but they also can be less expensive than manned aircraft and some believe, safer. The FAA prohibits the use of unmanned aircraft systems for commercial purposes due to safety and privacy concerns. The FAA acknowledged that granting the exemptions could have "tangible economic benefits." In order to receive permission, the FAA said the companies must show that their drone operations won't be a safety hazard and would be in the public interest.