Rules will favour commercial drones as market firms up

Subject

Rules for consumer and commercial drones.

Significance

Regulations designed to integrate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into the wider airspace have led to conflict between consumer enthusiasts and commercial UAV operators, particularly in the largest market, the United States. At the centre of the argument is whether hobbyist model aircraft and consumer drones should be exempt from carrying electronic identification.

Impacts

• Commercial UAV operators will need to account for how interference from consumer drones may affect their business operations.
• Electronic identification rules would increase the manufacturing and regulatory compliance costs of hobbyist drones.
• Consumer appetite for drone deliveries will hinge on their safety and security.