FAA Proposes New Rules to Allow Drones to Fly at Night and Over People
The Department of Transportation announces a proposed rule change that removes waiver requirements for drone flights at night and over populated areas. The new regulations establish specific safety conditions to minimize risks and open the door for expanded commercial drone operations.
The Department of Transportation announces a proposed new rule that allows drones to fly at night and over populated areas without needing special waivers. To fly after dark, operators complete specific night training and equip their drones with anti-collision lights visible for at least three statute miles. The FAA notes that night operations represent the most common waiver request and have a perfect safety record to date.
For flights over people, the proposal creates different safety categories based on the weight of the drone. Drones weighing under 0.55 pounds fly over people freely, while heavier drones require designs that prevent serious injuries, such as eliminating exposed rotating parts that could lacerate skin. The FAA intentionally keeps these design requirements flexible to encourage industry innovation.
This regulatory shift brings companies much closer to making commercial drone delivery a practical reality. The proposal enters a 60-day public comment period in the federal register before the agency finalizes the new guidelines.