AUVSI President & CEO Michael Toscano released the following
statement on the FAA’s decision to grant exemptions to four companies to
fly UAS for aerial surveying, construction site monitoring and oil rig
flare stack inspections. 



“We are excited to see the FAA grant these exemptions for commercial use
of UAS and to begin to unlock the various benefits of this technology.
Allowing UAS operations for aerial surveying, construction site
monitoring and oil rig flare stack inspections will help companies to do
their work more safely and efficiently.



“While this is a positive step, granting exemptions on a case by case
basis is not an effective way to regulate the use of UAS in the long
term. The FAA needs to begin the rulemaking process and finalize a rule
for the use of UAS as quickly as possible to allow UAS technology to
realize its full potential and allow a wide range of industries to reap
its benefits.”