LAS VEGAS (AP) — Federal records show that the number of Nevada companies approved to fly drones lags far behind states like California and Arizona.
The Las Vegas Sun reports that six Nevada companies are allowed to fly commercial drones, compared to 70 companies in California and 46 in Texas.
The numbers come from the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, which analyzed the first 500 waivers granted to companies by the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA bans commercial drone flights unless an exemption has been granted.
Rounding out the top five states are Florida, with 40 companies; Illinois, with 18; and Arizona, with 17.
The data covers exemptions granted between September and June. The FAA has expedited its approval process and announced Tuesday that it has now granted 1,008 exemptions.
