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FAA: Drone access to U.S. skies will take longer
http://hamptonroads.com/2013/11/faa-drone-access-us-skies-will-take-longerFAA: Drone access to U.S. skies will take longer
By Joan Lowy
The Associated Press
© November 7, 2013
WASHINGTON
Widespread drone access to U.S. skies faces significant hurdles and will take longer than Congress had anticipated, federal officials acknowledged Thursday in releasing a long-term roadmap for domestic use of drones.
For the next several years, use of drones will be limited to permits granted by the Federal Aviation Administration on a case-by-case basis to operators who agree to procedures to reduce safety risks, the agency said.
Last year, Congress directed the FAA to grant drones widespread access by September 2015. The agency has missed several deadlines for steps necessary to make that happen.
Among the concerns are whether remotely controlled drones will be able to detect and avoid other aircraft as well as do planes with pilots on board. There are also security concerns, including whether drones' navigation controls can be hacked or disrupted.