Commercial drones: Should they become UFO innovations?

Feb 16, 2015Enoch Antwi

Should commercial drones become the UFOs of innovation? Probably not. Though drones will boost commercial activities, controlling their activities will be a mart idea and ensure safety.

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This week the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rolled up its sleeves in pursuit of legalising the use of commercial drones. Industry experts received the long-awaited announcements with mixed feelings. But when fully implemented, this will allow companies to use commercial drones effectively in their day-to-day business activities.

The FAA rules for commercial drones

The FAA also proposed rules and regulations to this effect that will guide commercial drones and users across the board.

The agency expects commercial drones to fly under 500 feet. Such drones will operate only during the day and fly within a pilot’s range of vision. The formula will employ holders of operators' certificate to be considered as operators of the commercial drones. And will ensure persons under 17 to be unqualified handlers.

The proposal also seeks to certify operators to control one commercial drone at a time. Operators must allow the FAA to inspect the commercial drones. The drones will be subject to a 55-pound classification weight which the FAA sets for all small unmanned air crafts.

Role of drones

This week, The Business Frontal carried an article on how drones and other innovative technologies are becoming popular in business applications.

Our growing society expects commercial drones to help in search and rescue, construction and farming activities. Drones are also becoming popular in business and innovative enterprise activities.

So, with all these developments and foreseeable benefits, it is important to ensure safety in the airways. However, the FAA and all stake-holders must examine its guidelines before the implementation.

The recent drone crash at the White House and the unnecessary use of drones to invade privacy, among others, opens the door for a healthy debate. The FAA, however, has not yet figured out how to fully control commercial drones activities at all fronts in line with its submission.

Opportunity for progress

But our question is, should commercial drones become the unidentified flying objects (UFOs) of innovation without monitoring and control? Probably not. Commercial drones will boost economic activities and respond timely to deadly occurrences. Controlling its activities will be a brilliant idea and also ensure safety.

The Business Frontal encourages the FAA to study how some of its proposal and control aspects will benefit society and entrepreneurs when implemented. At that same time, US startups and drone enthusiasts must ensure they champion a proactive approach to the new age of drone development.

Our understanding of excellence in innovation should always rely on dedication to progress, also safety, then productivity.

Enoch Antwi

Enoch Antwi is the managing editor at The Business Frontal. He worked as a business and an environmental journalist in the late 1990s with the Business and Financial Times. His passion is to provide on-demand valuable information and insights on business, entrepreneurship, leadership, innovative technologies, and principles for corporate success in today's business world.