WEST CHICAGO, Illinois – DuPage Airport Authority (DAA) has restricted the use of drones on or above DAA property. The recently issued FAA policy regarding the operation of drones was used as a framework upon which the DAA Ordinance was structured, airport officials noted. In addition to prohibiting the operation of drones in its airport, it […]
UAS
AUVSI launches Remote Pilots Council
ARLINGTON, Va. — The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has launched a new initiative, the Remote Pilots Council (RPC). The initiative kicked off with a national tour to promote education and dialogue between commercial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operators, industry leaders and the FAA. Through a combination of in-person meetings, webinars and surveys, the […]
FAA settles drone enforcement cases
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The FAA has reached a settlement agreement with SkyPan International of Chicago resolving enforcement cases that alleged the company operated unmanned aircraft (UAS) in congested airspace over New York City and Chicago, and violated airspace regulations and aircraft operating rules. Under the terms of the agreement, SkyPan will pay a $200,000 civil penalty. The company also […]
Sporty’s Study Buddy for drone pilots
Now available from Sporty’s is the Drone Study Buddy, a new app that includes study resources and interactive practice tests for those studying for the FAA Knowledge Test to earn a Remote Pilot Certificate. The app includes four sections that help prospective pilots learn important information, then test that knowledge with interactive sessions. Study Resources organizes […]
Got a drone for Christmas?
With unmanned aircraft, or drones, a popular gift item this holiday season and beyond, the unmanned aircraft systems program on Kansas State University’s Polytechnic Campus has five essential tips to help hobbyists fly safely. Started almost 10 years ago, the Kansas State Polytechnic UAS program has made safe operations the cornerstone of its classroom curriculum, […]
Drone Camp, UAS training featured at AMA Expo
The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) will host the 19th annual AMA Expo West, presented by ReadyMadeRC.com, at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, California, Jan. 6-8. The three-day event is a “whole family” experience featuring opportunities to learn about, fly and buy model aircraft and drones, according to AMA officials. The event will include […]
Drones complete 77 deliveries for 7-Eleven
RENO, Nevada — Flirtey, a drone delivery service, reports it completed 77 autonomous drone deliveries in November to customer homes in the United States. The deliveries are the result of Flirtey and 7-Eleven’s collaboration, which kicked off in July with the world’s first autonomous drone delivery to a customer’s residence. Flirtey conducted regular weekend deliveries during November from a […]
Report outlines risks for drones flying beyond line of sight
A new report claims that — due to “human variation” — technology is critical to making drone flight beyond visual line of sight safe. PrecisionHawk released the report Dec. 15, 2016, of its Phase 2 Pathfinder Results as part of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technical Analysis and Applications Center (UAS TAAC) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The […]
The easiest certificate ever, Part II
Christmas came early for me. Back in October I completed all the requirements to add a Remote Pilot certificate to my list of ratings and certificates. In the mail the week of Dec. 5 came my official certificate from the FAA. As I walked back from the mailbox, envelope in hand, my emotions quickly ran […]