FAA issues commercial drone rules; no nod for package delivery

Washington

The US federal government Tuesday made it much easier for companies to use drones for a variety of tasks, including aerial photography and emergency response.

The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) new commercial drone rules allow a broad range of businesses to use drones under 55 pounds (25 kg), but with several restrictions: The drones must be operated by a pilot who has passed a written test and is at least 16 years old. And drones can be flown only below 400 feet (123 m), during the day and at least five miles (eight km) away from airports.