The sound of drones is becoming more and more common in Northern Nevada. We've seen the big companies come in. We are investing in the industry in a big way. And this past session of the legislature a few more restrictions were thrown at them. Law enforcement will need to get warrants to use them. Hobbyists will need to keep them out of city parks, away from airports and under 400 feet in altitude. But that's not slowing down the drone business at all.Â
"We are seeing steady business all right," said Justin Woodcock with CKRC Hobbies on South Wells Avenue in Reno. "We sell a handful a week, I'd say 6-8 every week."Â
Drones come as inexpensively as $45 for a small one kids can maneuver like a plane or a helicopter. But they can cost a lot more than that.Â
"The small ones are like $45 but the ones that are like entry models to shooting video are more in the $500 range. And the big ones start at like $3,000 and by the time you equip them they can be as much as ten grand!" Woodcock says.Â
And while filming is a very popular use there, are a lot more for drones.Â
"You can use them to fly into mines, to track and map agriculture or power lines or water lines. There are are lot of things they are so useful for," says Woodcock.
The new rules go into effect in October.Â
But even the sky's not the limit for the future of drones.Â
