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South Dakota Drone Operators Approve Of Proposed FAA Rules

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota drone operators say they’re anxious to see proposed Federal Aviation Administration rules come to fruition but plan to fly under the radar until anything is finalized.

The FAA released its long-anticipated rules recently that would allow small commercial unmanned aircraft to perform routine tasks — crop monitoring, aerial photography, inspections of bridges and cell towers, and much more. But not right away. Final rules are probably two to three years away.

The Argus Leader reports ( ) Todd Thorin is owner of Prairie Aerial Photography. Thorin says a video he shot of a man scaling a 1,500-foot television tower caught the attention of the FAA.

He hasn’t filmed another sky-high feature since and says he plans to wait until rules for commercial pilots are cleared up. Thorin says the proposed rules are reasonable.

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Information from: Argus Leader,