The Federal Aviation Administration indicated it’s working with...

The Federal Aviation Administration indicated it’s working with several industries to expedite limited commercial operation of drones before federal rules are in place, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) said in a news release. The group said FAA Manager of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Jim Williams offered that insight Tuesday at AUVSI’s conference in Orlando. “UAS have a host of societal and economic benefits, and many industries are clamoring to harness their capabilities,” said AUVSI President Michael Toscano. “Limited commercial operations is a good first step, but we also need to begin the small UAS rulemaking immediately.” Williams said the FAA is expected to allow limited commercial operations for filmmaking, powerline inspection, precision agriculture and flare stack inspection, AUVSI said. Williams said those industries approached the FAA for expedited approvals, the group said.