The rules would clear the air for some applications of the technology, though would still leave certain big-name players, such as Amazon, in limbo.

As drone technology has advanced and its capabilities and popularity become harder to ignore, pressure has mounted on the FAA to reform aviation laws to better accommodate UAVs. Beginning last September, it responded by granting a series of waivers to select companies, as assessed on a case-by-case basis, allowing them to use drones as part of their operations.

Announced on Sunday, the FAA's latest move in this area more closely resembles a one-size-fits all solution, but it's not quite there yet.