FAA awards Conoco-Phillips permission to fly surveillance drones over American airspace

[wtmusic]

"The FAA issued an approval in July that paved the way for a 'major energy company' to fly unmanned drones in U.S. airspace. Yesterday it became clear which corporation would be using drones to aid its Alaskan oil drilling efforts: ConocoPhillips.

This marks the first time a private company has received permission to fly 'unmanned aircraft systems,' UAS — or drones — in America for non-experimental purposes.

'Until now, obtaining an experimental airworthiness certificate — which specifically excludes commercial operations — was the only way the private sector could operate UAS in the nation’s airspace,' the FAA announced last month. FAA hailed the move as 'a milestone that will lead to the first approved commercial UAS operations later this summer.'"

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/08/26/2524731/drones-conocophillips-alaska/

What could possibly go wrong?

[Jackpine Radical]

1. No doubt intended to protect their property from eco-terrorists.

And maybe occasionally to spot pipeline ruptures.

[Demeter]

2. Somebody tell the Palins that Skeet shooting Season is open