Eight Industries That Want to Fly Drones

(Source: The Hill)  

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a drone?

Companies are chomping at the bit for a chance to use commercial drones they believe could revolutionize their business, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) considers loosening the ban on these unmanned aerial devices.

Here are eight industries that would benefit if the ban is lifted.
Hollywood

Drones have already hit the big screen in Hollywood, where the FAA last month gave a handful of filmmakers permission to use them on movie sets.

Filmmakers will now be able to shoot from new never-before-seen angles.

This could be a sign of things to come. In the words of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, Hollywood is “blazing a trail” for other industries to use commercial drones.

Energy

Prior to giving filmmakers permission, the FAA had only approved commercial drones to be used by two oil companies that operate in remote regions of Alaska.

Oil companies are clamoring for permission to more widely use commercial drones to detect pipeline leaks and inspect offshore facilities. Utility companies could use drones to monitor power lines.

Energy companies say using drones to conduct these inspections would be safer than using people, taking their employees out of harms way.

Real estate

Some real estate agents are already using drones to showcase homes they are selling in violation of the FAA’s rules.

While real estate agents can photograph the kitchen, bedrooms, and living room on their own, drones can provide unique aerial views of a home and its surrounding neighborhood.

“For realtors trying to sell really large properties, this would be less costly than hiring a helicopter to fly overhead,” says Jenny Werwa, spokeswoman for the National Association of Realtors.

Continue Reading at TheHill.com…