US regulators sow confusion over 'toy' drones in new rules

New York

US regulators have published a description about forthcoming rules on drones that omits mention of toys, sowing confusion among lawyers and hobbyists who closely follow the development of the new regulations.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has closely guarded its draft rule, leading to intense speculation about how it will govern both commercial flights for photography and crop inspections, and recreational flying by hobbyists. Concern about drone dangers intensified this week after a toy quadcopter crash-landed on the lawn of the White House.