Technology

Commercial Drone Usage Could Soar to 1.6 Million by 2021

In its 2017-2027 Aerospace Forecast, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) predicted that commercial drone use will reach 442,000 units by 2021 as a base estimate.
May 23, 2017
Topics
Technology

In its 2017-2027 Aerospace Forecast, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) predicted that commercial drone use will reach 442,000 units by 2021 as a base estimate, but could rise as high as 1.6 million in its high estimate. Prior to the FAA licensing drone operators, certified pilots were the only individuals authorized to operate commercial drones and companies needed to secure an exemption for any use, often making operations expensive and cumbersome.

The FAA also reported that out of all industry segments, the construction, industrial and utility inspection segment has a 26 percent share of current commercial drone uses, second only to aerial photography and tied with real estate. Since the FAA introduced its commercial drone regulations last summer, 44,000 units have been registered, and the agency has issued more than 29,000 remote pilot certifications. The pass rate for the certification exam is 90 percent.

Related stories

Technology
Employing Supporting Roles for Your IT Team
By Christian Burger
For construction businesses to be effective in selecting, managing and deploying technology—especially when the influence, intelligence and complexity of that technology is growing—they need a new approach to IT.
Technology
Integrating Software and Hardware Technology in the Field
By Bryan Williams
Field technology has advanced increasingly in recent years. Combing the advancing software with hardware in the field can significantly improver performance on the jobsite.
Technology
Simplifying and Extending a Building's Lifecycle With Digital-Twin Technology
By César Flores Rodríguez
Digital-twin technology takes data beyond BIM, out of silos and into the interactive real world in real time.

Follow us




Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Stay in the know with the latest industry news, technology and our weekly features. Get early access to any CE events and webinars.