Commercial Drone Use Approved for Four Companies

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says it will allow four companies to use drones that weigh less than 55 pounds for commercial use. 

The four companies–Trimble Navigation Ltd., VDOS Global LLC, Clayco Inc and Woolpert Inc.–say they plan to use the FAA-approved drones for monitoring construction sites, oil rig flare stack inspections, and aerial surveying. 

According to a study cited by Reuters, the U.S. drone industry is projected to create 70,000 jobs and $13.6 billion in economic activity over the next three years as the government continues loosening restrictions on commercial drones.

The FAA plans to release a draft rule on commercial drones by the end of this month.