Regulations could hinder private US drone use

Significance

The FAA's proposed regulations will open up drone use in the United States to commercial exploitation. While in some respects less rigorous than they might have been, the draft regulations will initially limit drone use. This could leave the United States in a less advantageous position than operators elsewhere in the world to develop drone-based services.

Impacts

• The potential market for these larger drones is put at over 89 billion dollars over the next ten years.
• Military sales will be 72 billion dollars in that period.
• End-use control on military exports will help Washington influence allied foreign policy.