FAA approves new rules for drone use, lowers barrier to entry

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Starting Monday, sky's the limit for companies that want to use drones.

New rules kicked in regulating the commercial use of drones and, it's a game changer.

Currently, there are 20,000 registered commercial drones in the U.S. The FAA expects that number to multiple 30 times in a matter of months because of new rules that lower the barrier to entry.

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The biggest change is that companies no longer need a traditional pilot's license or a government waver, a process that takes months.

All they need now is to pass a certification test and follow flying restrictions.

Drone operators must keep their drones in their line of sight, fly during daytime hours and avoid flying over people not participating in their operation.

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Operators can apply to bypass these restrictions, if they can prove their plan is safe.

"Over the next 10 years, commercial unmanned aircraft systems could be generate more than $82 billion or the U.S. economy, and by 2025 could be supporting 100,000 new jobs," said Anthony Foxx, U.S. secretary of Transportation.

The federal aviation administration expects some 600,000 drones to be used commercially within a year.

Real estate, aerial photography and construction companies are expected to benefit most because their work needs fall within the new guidelines.

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For companies looking to deliver with drones, such as Amazon, that's a little tougher because of the rules of maintaining visuals and 55 pound weight limit.

But this is the first real wave and experts expect rules for more complex drone operations won't be far behind.

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