FAA to allow small drones to fly at night, over people in step toward broader deliveries

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is slated to issue new guidance allowing operators of drones to fly them at night and over human beings who are not operating them, the department said Monday. 

The new rules, which will be written into the Federal Register in January and will take effect 60 days later, will address security concerns regarding identification of the flying systems remotely from the ground, Reuters reported, calling the move a major step toward expanded commercial deliveries.

“The new rules make way for the further integration of drones into our airspace by addressing safety and security concerns,” FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said. “They get us closer to the day when we will more routinely see drone operations such as the delivery of packages.”