Regulatory and related risks
Unlike many other emerging technologies, the drone industry has to operate in a highly regulated environment. The overriding concerns are ensuring safety and privacy. Many countries like Canada, France, Australia, and England have established rules for commercial use of drones. Most require some sort of certification of the operator, offer common sense restrictions about flying in congested areas, near airports, etc., require liability insurance, and address safety and privacy issues. Others, including the US are still struggling with a clear set of rules.
Right now key restrictions under debate include flying beyond visual sight of the drone, collision avoidance technologies, night flights, and flying over populated areas such as events and sport stadiums. Until either the technology improves or the regulations are changed, it will preclude widespread use in infrastructure inspections, search and rescue, and other applications. Anyone contemplating doing business in these areas will need to be agile and ready to quickly change business models as both technology and regulations evolve.
Drone Services as a Business Pt 1
Sky Machines