Skies overhead may soon buzz with the sound of thousands of drones as new federal rules that went into effect Monday gave operators the clearance to legally fly the devices.

The U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration held a joint news conference to promote the new regulations, which allow drones up to 55 pounds in weight to fly in U.S. skies for commercial purposes, such as newsgathering or delivering packages. Also present was Brian Wynne, CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, who said the new rules would boost economic development.

"With the small UAS (unmanned vehicle systems) rule now in effect, the commercial UAS industry is cleared for takeoff," Wynne said. "Whether it's aiding search and rescue missions, advancing scientific research, responding to natural disasters or helping farmers tend to their crops, UAS are capable of saving time, saving money and most importantly, saving lives."

The drone industry estimates the new rules could generate $82 billion for the U.S. economy and create 100,000 new jobs over the next 10 years. The regulations require drone operators to keep the devices within line of sight, require collision lights for drones that fly at night, and set a maximum altitude of 400 feet.

Many associations outside the drone industry have been lobbying for rules allowing more drones in U.S. skies. The Edison Electric Institute, for example, said drones could help member companies inspect power lines. However, the association and other groups have lobbied FAA to allow drones to operate outside their operators' line of sight in certain instances, such as infrastructure inspections. http://bit.ly/2ccexat

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