After the widespread devastation Hurricane Irma wreaked on Florida in early September 2017, unmanned aircraft — commonly referred to as drones — have been invaluable in supporting response and recovery efforts in the battered Sunshine State. When Irma’s winds and floodwaters damaged homes, businesses, roads and industries, a wide variety of agencies sought FAA authorization […]
drones
Do gamers make better drone pilots?
A new study shows that video game players could make better drone pilots than general aviation pilots. For the study, designed to help address the shortage of pilots to fly unmanned aerial systems (UAS), researchers from the University of Liverpool tested the abilities of gamers, professional pilots and general aviation pilots. The 60 participants took part […]
The ultimate guide to how to fly a drone
Interested in venturing into the drone arena? Jess Miller recently wrote a detailed 7,000-word guide on how to fly a drone that is packed with tips and advice. It begins: “If you’ve got a drone and you don’t know how to fly it yet, don’t despair – flying a drone isn’t rocket science. It’s not exactly […]
Women in Aviation welcomes drone pilots
Women in Aviation International has reached out to the drone community, via the Women and Drones organization, to encourage women involved with drone operations to be part of WAI. From now until Dec. 31 2017, Women and Drones members are eligible for a discounted membership in WAI of $40 a year. Women who fly drones or operate […]
FAA offers to refund drone hobbyists
Aviation International News is reporting that the FAA is complying with a recent appellate court ruling, offering to delete the registration information it collected from recreational drone users and return the $5 fee at their request. On July 3, the agency made available a “registration deletion and self-certification” form that registrants must complete and mail […]
First ever Drone Olympics set for July 21-23
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Drone U, an internet-based drone training company, will hold its first ever fly-in at its Albuquerque headquarters July 21-23. The sold-out event will be an opportunity for drone pilots, enthusiasts and advocates to meet, network and compete in a series of professionally-designed “missions,” according to officials. Hosting 75 pilots from around the […]
Reno Air Races to host drone racing league championship
The Reno Air Racing Association has signed an agreement with MultiGP Drone Racing League to host the National Drone Racing Championship during this year’s National Championship Air Races, which are slated for Sept. 13-17, 2017. The championship will be held in the Drone Zone. The top two pilots from each of the 14 MultiGP regional […]
Online insurance portal now available for drone operators
FREDERICK, Maryland — In partnership with Global Aerospace, aircraft insurance broker Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) recently launched its online UAS/Drone insurance portal. The Global Aerospace policy offers multiple liability options, as well as hull coverage and worldwide territory, according to AIR officials. Sean Berry a commercial drone pilot and Mavic Pro owner, noted that the online portal is “Super […]
Commercial drone market to reach $12.6 billion by 2025
According to a new report from Tractica, worldwide commercial drone hardware and services revenue will increase from $792 million in 2017 to $12.6 billion by 2025. While the majority of revenue currently comes from hardware sales, the balance will shift in the next few years and, by the end of the forecast period, Tractica anticipates […]