What could possibly go wrong?
by David Atkins
Nothing scary about this:
Idea of civilians using drone aircraft may soon fly with FAA.
The Federal Aviation Administration plans to propose new rules for the use of small drones in January, a first step toward clearing the way for police departments, farmers and others to employ the technology.
Drone aircraft, best known for their role in hunting and destroying terrorist hide-outs in Afghanistan, may soon be coming to the skies near you.
Police agencies want drones for air support to spot runaway criminals. Utility companies believe they can help monitor oil, gas and water pipelines. Farmers think drones could aid in spraying their crops with pesticides.
"It's going to happen," said Dan Elwell, vice president of civil aviation at the Aerospace Industries Assn. "Now it's about figuring out how to safely assimilate the technology into national airspace."
Some of this makes sense, of course. Using unmanned aircraft to spray crops isn't a bad idea.
But using drones for civilian law enforcement? Creepy, scary and ripe for abuse.
.