The largest test yet of NASA‘s Unmanned Aircraft Systems traffic management (UTM) research platform was held April 19 at six FAA UAS test sites. The test included up to 24 unmanned aircraft, commonly called drones, that were remotely flown simultaneously around the country. In Texas, at Port Mansfield, about two hours south of Corpus Christi, four […]
UAS
Symposium broadens dialogue on UAS integration
The FAA recently held a symposium in conjunction with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to broaden the dialogue with industry and the public on how to safely integrate unmanned aircraft into the National Airspace System. FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and Deputy Administrator Mike Whitaker both noted the progress the FAA and industry have made on integration by […]
Aerial photography, inspection tops list of FAA-approved RPA use
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has released an interactive analysis that finds 38 types of business operations have been approved by the FAA to fly remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) — also known as drones and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) — commercially in the National Airspace System (NAS). According to the report that analyzed […]
FAA doubles ‘blanket’ altitude for many drone flights
After a comprehensive risk analysis, the FAA has raised the unmanned aircraft (UAS) “blanket” altitude authorization for Section 333 exemption holders and government aircraft operators to 400 feet. Previously, the agency had put in place a nationwide Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) for such flights up to 200 feet. The new COA policy allows […]
States using drones to improve safety, collect data and cut costs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A growing number of state departments of transportation are leveraging drone technology to improve safety, reduce traffic congestion and save money. According to a March 2016 survey by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 33 state departments of transportation have or are exploring, researching, testing or using unmanned aerial […]
NASA licenses new technology for Remotely Piloted Aircraft
NASA officials report the agency has developed technology that may enable unmanned aircraft to fly safely in the national airspace along with piloted aircraft. The patent-pending integrated communications and control system is capable of collision warnings, as well as real-time traffic and weather updates, according to NASA officials. This communication system brings unmanned aircraft — […]
Drone Flying Course released
WINGsReality EDU has released an interactive, web-based certification course for recreational and model drone operators. Recreational/Model Drone Operator Certification is the course for operators who want to achieve a standardized knowledge level in the safe operation of drones, according to company officials. In this course, students will prepare for a final exam by taking a series […]
SkyVector adds realism to drone movie, adds DROTAMS
SEATTLE – Moviegoers watching the latest big screen thriller are treated to an extra dose of realism courtesy of SkyVector. “Eye in the Sky,” starring Helen Mirren, Aaron Paul, and the late Alan Rickman, explores the moral, political, and tactical dilemmas surrounding a drone missile strike with potential civilian casualties. SkyVector‘s worldwide aeronautical charts were chosen […]
Video: Drone display set world record
A display of drone technology by Intel Corporation with 100 small remotely piloted aircraft being launched skywards in formation has earned a new world record title for the Most Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) airborne simultaneously.