The FAI has ratified a world record for flight duration for an experimental unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The VA001, an unmanned aircraft that looks like a glider but is powered by a diesel engine, successfully flew for 55 hours, 56 minutess non-stop and without re-fueling on Dec. 2, 2016. The flight took place at New […]
UAS
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 […]
HEICO acquires composites manufacturer
HEICO Corporation‘s Flight Support Group has acquired 100% of Carbon by Design, a manufacturer of composite components for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), rockets, spacecraft and other specialized applications. The purchase price and financial details were not disclosed. HEICO officials stated that it expects the acquisition to add to its earnings within the first year following the […]
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 […]
College credit for drone pilots
Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) has partnered with the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) Small UAS Safety Certification program. Students who complete the USI program will also received three college credits. The Small UAS Safety Certification program includes a complete curriculum package with all course materials, including a 400-page academic textbook, instructor aids, and course content packaged in USI’s digital […]
Could drones save general aviation?
A new blog post by Ryan Reed, vice president of communications for uAvionix and a self-described “Reformed Drone Skeptic,” states that drones could, indeed, be a boon to general aviation. A chance meeting with a student pilot at the airport revealed that flying drones got him interested in learning to fly manned aircraft. “It took a […]