CHAPTER 6

The Future of Drones

The possibilities for drone use in the future are very exciting. Drone technology will continue to develop, which could lead to even more ideas. For example, today meteorologists are using aerial drones to learn more about severe weather. They fly drones into hurricanes and thunderstorms. The drones can then measure wind speed, air temperature, and other meteorological factors. In the future, drones may help scientists understand why tornadoes form, which is not fully understood today. From drones with facial recognition software to drones with hypersonic speed, researchers are hard at work exploring drone capabilities.

NEW RULES FOR DRONES

Major increases in drone use are expected worldwide by 2020. With this increase some people worry that drones could cause problems without more laws. Many countries have laws about drone use. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) makes drone laws. Local laws may also govern drone use. Many laws focus on safety. Pilots and passengers of other aircraft need to be protected from collisions with drones. People and animals on the ground must be kept safe from crashing drones. Because many drones have cameras, personal privacy concerns also have to be considered. With laws in place, drone enthusiasts can enjoy their hobby and keep themselves and others safe.