The NFL can use drones to "shoot films, documentaries and television segments, becoming the first major sports league to receive such permission" from the FAA, according to Eben Novy-Williams of BLOOMBERG NEWS. The exemption, which "precludes filming games, comes three months after the FAA said it was probing NFL teams," including the Cowboys and Giants, for their use of drones. The ruling comes with "several conditions and limitations" -- drones must weigh "less than 55 pounds including payload, fly no more than 400 feet above the ground and travel no faster than 100 miles per hour." NFL Films outside counsel Kurt Wimmer said that the exemption allows NFL Films to "operate drones only over empty stadiums, precluding their use on game days when the stands are packed." NFL VP/Communications Brian McCarthy added that drones "won't be used to film practice" (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 9/23). The FAA explained their decision by noting that it is "safer for the NFL to use drones for filming rather than using piloted aircraft." Since drones "don’t carry passengers and 'flammable fuel,' there’s less chance of a major catastrophe" (FORTUNE.com, 9/22).
