The FAA has issued a new fact sheet that gives the highlights of the agency’s rules for small unmanned aircraft (UAS) operations other than model aircraft — Part 107 of FAA regulations – that cover commercial and government uses for drones weighing less than 55 pounds. So if you need a refresher or are just […]
UAS
35 states deploying drones to save lives, time and money
A survey by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials finds that 35 of 44 responding state departments of transportation — 80%— are using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, for a wide range of purposes. The March 2018 survey finds that 20 state DOTs have incorporated drones into their daily operations. Another […]
Companies team to develop avionics for drones
Aspen Avionics and Sensurion Aerospace have entered into a co-development partnership that will bring certified avionics to the burgeoning unmanned aerial system (UAS) and unmanned air-taxi marketplace. Aspen Avionics’/Sensurion’s focus is on FAA certified autopilots, communications, navigation, and surveillance systems for small, medium, and large drones, including future cargo and passenger carrying aircraft, according to […]
Free drone seminar slated in Reno
“Tap into the Drone Market,” a free seminar hosted by Women in Aviation International (WAI) during its annual convention in Reno, will be open to the public. The seminar is slated for March 23, 2018, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Convention Room C4. This session, led by industry experts, […]
Video: New initiative launched to educate public on drone laws
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The nation’s leading unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) stakeholders, led by the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), have launched a new initiative to educate the public about the existing drone laws they must follow and the consequences if they ignore or break the law. The new advertising campaign — Even the Sky Has […]
FAA expands drone airspace authorization program
The FAA is expanding tests of an automated system that will ultimately provide near real-time processing of airspace authorization requests for unmanned aircraft (UAS) operators nationwide. Under the FAA’s Part 107 small drone rule, operators must get approval from the agency to operate in any airspace controlled by an air traffic facility. To facilitate those […]
Academy of Model Aeronautics offers to help NTSB investigate drone accidents
Officials with the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) sent a letter to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) offering AMA’s more than 80 years of experience in the investigation of any potential incident involving a manned and unmanned aircraft system (UAS). In the letter, AMA President Rich Hanson writes: “The recent potential incidents involving manned […]
Drone training for first responders
Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus is working with law enforcement to offer a training course specifically targeted at how first responders can use unmanned aircraft systems in daily operations and safety procedures. The first course runs April 9-12, 2018, at the campus in Salina. Kurt Carraway, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel and the executive […]
The Complete Remote Pilot just published
New from ASA is “The Complete Remote Pilot,” a textbook for anyone interested in getting a remote pilot certificate, which is required to operate drones for commercial use. With a friendly and readable style, authors Bob Gardner and David Ison cover all of the details involved in becoming a competent, responsible, and safe remote pilot, according […]