Finally, FAA's Drone Rules Are Near, But Congress Will Decide Key Issues

Finally, the Federal Aviation Administration is close to releasing rules to integrate drones into the American airspace by early 2015, the Associated Press' Joan Lowy reports. But Congress will likely make key decisions. One of the priorities of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee "is writing legislation to reauthorize FAA programs and overhaul aviation policy. The bill is expected to include directions from lawmakers on how to integrate drones into the nation's aviation system. The last reauthorization bill, passed in 2012, directed the agency to integrate drones by Sept. 30, 2015, but it's clear the FAA will miss that deadline," Lowy further reports.

The FAA's rules, which will take another couples of years to finalize, will likely include restrictions on drones flying at night, being kept within the sight of operators and being flown below 400 feet. The FAA may also may more controversially require drone operators to have pilot's licenses.