FAA proposes drone pilots should get certificates, not fly over people

By Alwyn Scott NEW YORK (Reuters) - The U.S. aviation regulator proposed on Sunday that people flying drones for commercial purposes obtain a special pilot certificate, stay away from bystanders and fly only during the day. The long-awaited draft rule governing drones also limits flying speed to 100 miles per hour (160 kph) and the altitude to 500 feet (152 meters) above ground level. Industry experts said the Federal Aviation Administration's draft rule appeared to be relatively benign, lacking onerous pilot qualifications standards that could have severely restricted commercial flying of drones. The draft rule, nearly 10 years in the making, still must undergo public comment and revision before becoming final, a process expected to take at least a year.

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