Drones here, drone there, drones everywhere. In the absence of federal enforcement more are taking to the skies

DHL parcel service tested a "microdones md4-1000"

for delivery of medicine in December 2013

from wikipedia

Earlier this year, I identified drones as a leading story. Under the title DRONES ARE HERE TO STAY, I discussed their military use in fighting global terrorism.

Last summer when Napa, California suffered a sizable earthquake, a low flying drone captured video clips of the damage.  The clip is stunning to behold with over 239,000 views.

Just last week mystery drones have been spotted in Paris, flying over such treasured landmarks as the Eiffel Tower  Les Invalides Museum and the American Embassy.  Here is an NPR broadcast covering the story.

Now drones are are taking to the skies flouting FAA rules prohibiting unmanned aircraft for commercial purposes.

Thanks to Jack Nicas of the Wall Street Journal for his providing examples of the widespread flouting of the FAA bans.

They are being used to photograph and promote high end residential properties to wealthy buyers.

They are being used by companies such as Barrick Gold and Rio Tinto to map mine sites in California and Nevada.

BMW, Walmart Stores, General Mills and Nike have produced TV commercials using drones.

There have been a few fines imposed by the FAA, but we will have to wait over a year for the government agency to finalize their rules.

These unmanned aircraft have undoubtedly beneficial uses.

Drones have the capacity to perform humanitarian functions such as delivery of  medicines to remote areas as suggested by the photo shown above.  However, many issues need to be discussed

One question is at what point do they interfere with commercial aviation flights.

Another key issue involve threats to our right to privacy that these low flying aircraft pose.

Do we want them snooping above our homes and government buildings?

Finally should predator drones be used to carry missiles to take out terrorists?

As they take to the skies, all these issues must be addressed.