Has the issue of using UAVs for commercial use been resolved? I haven't kept myself updated and would appreciate any information.
Thank you and have a great weekend!
The FAA has posted a "Notice of Proposed Rulemaking". It is a preliminary draft of what the rules are going to be but they are not in effect yet. There are routes of getting a COA to fly for commercial use, but it is quite a process to get an approval. About 10-15 have been approved.
http://geodatapoint.com/articles/view/real_work_starts_after_uas_rulemaking
http://www.pobonline.com/articles/97524-faa-proposes-regulations-for-small-uas-use
Resolved as much as you better have a license
The FAA has streamlined the process to get what's called a Section 333 Exemption. You have to file for it for a specific aircraft, but if you're approved you can fly under 200' on a blanket COA as long as you stay away from populated areas and airports. With a 333 exemption you can legally fly under 500' as long as you meet all their conditions, including having a site-specific COA.
The rules are far from complete.
One states "Operators must stay out of airport flight paths and restricted airspace areas", but says nothing about the vehicle itself...
Thanks for all of the help.
In Australia you're free* (as long as it's flown by a CASA pilot and meets all normal flight regulations) to use UAV's for Surveys.
They're currently making new regulations to make it easier/different as well.