CNN GETS AN FAA WAIVER TO FLY DRONES OVER CROWDS

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This is a new precedent for this kind of waiver. Previous exemptions allowed the flight of drones over people in closed set operations (like for filmmaking purposes) and only when tethered, with a max height of 21 feet. But now CNN has been awarded a waiver regarding its commercial drone operating license with the FAA.
This waiver/exemption allows CNN to fly its Vantage Robotics Snap drone over open-air crowds of people at altitudes of up to 150 feet, sparking privacy concerns. The new waiver, as secured through its legal counsel Hogan Lovells, allows for the flight of the Vantage UAV (which is quite small and light) above crowds regardless of population density. It was a big win for the firm and the company because it represents a change in perspective on the issue for the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), which previously viewed all requests for exceptions from a ‘worst-case scenario’ point of view.

This post was published at The Daily Sheeple on OCTOBER 18, 201.