The FAA’s new regulations went into effect Aug. 29 for routine commercial use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), more popularly known as drones or remotely piloted aircraft. The provisions of the new rule – formally known as Part 107 – are designed to minimize risks to other aircraft and people and property on the ground, according to […]
Commercial drones cleared for takeoff
The new FAA rule governing commercial operations of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) — also known as drones or remotely piloted aircraft — means more businesses and innovators will be able to fly, unlocking the “tremendous economic benefits of the new technology,” according to the top official of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). “The United […]
Verify ADS-B performance with free FAA online tool
Aircraft owners can now validate the performance of installed ADS-B Out equipment through a free automated tool provided by the FAA. “From the FAA perspective, this is a very valuable tool for aircraft owners, operators and avionics shops to verify accurate transmission of their aircraft’s ADS-B data,” said Doug Carr, vice president of regulatory and international affairs […]
Insurance company launches drone safety program
USAIG has introduced Performance Vector Unmanned, created specifically for policyholders who insure unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as remotely piloted aircraft and drones. The program serves to keep safety at the forefront, which is especially critical considering that UAS outnumber registered manned aircraft, company officials note. The program’s predecessor, Performance Vector, was established in […]
Midwest LSA Expo slated for September
The Midwest LSA Expo returns to Mt. Vernon Outland Airport (KMVN) in Mt. Vernon, Ill., Sept. 8-10. Touted as “The Place to be for Light Aviation This Fall,” the Expo will boast more than 40 Light-Sport Aircraft, including Part 103, STOL (Short Take off and Land) and Gyroplanes, according to organizers. Attendees can also shop […]
Cropduster hits antenna guy wire
The Air Tractor pilot was spraying a corn field near Cimarron, Kansas, bordered by radio antennas. He had sprayed the field previously and planned to use the same pattern this time. However, on his initial pass, he focused on the inner guy wire anchor point, which caused him to inadvertently fly between the inner and […]
Picture of the day: Betty Grable and the Spartan
In a story by Tom Snow on the largest-ever gathering of Spartan Model 7W Executives at AirVenture 2016 to celebrate the type’s 80th anniversary, Spartan Executives shine at Oshkosh, there was a photo of a 1940s re-enactor exiting one of the airplanes. What we just found out from Jim Savage, who coordinated the gathering, is that […]
R&M Steel donations stretch into millions
The foundation the R&M Steel Company is built upon was poured in 1968 in State College, Pennsylvania. The City of State College passed an ordinance that required fire escapes be added to all buildings that housed apartments for college students. Seeing an opportunity, R&M Steel founder Robert “Rob” Roberts had steel delivered to the buildings […]
Gliding world record still stands after 10 years
Ten years ago on Aug. 29, 2006, Steve Fossett set a gliding world record that still stands today. Flying with former NASA test pilot Einar Enevoldson, the pair hit an absolute altitude of 15,460 m while flying in mountain wave above the Andes in Argentina. The flight was the successful culmination of the Perlan Project, which […]