The FAA has begun the rule making process to address the commercial use of unmanned aerial vehicles, otherwise known as drones. The proposed rule would allow commercial use of drones in a variety of situations, including real estate photography. The rule governs machines weighing 55 lbs or less, and some of the restrictions placed on operators include: daylight flights only, line of sight operations only, flights limited to an altitude of 500 feet, and operator certification by the FAA. The proposed rule does not require the operator to obtain a pilot's license. NAR will be submitting comments during the public comment period.
For more information on this issue, please visit realtor.org/drones.