“We were just handed a tool to help aircraft manufacturers get their drones certified for use,” Alaska Center for UAS Integration Director Cathy Cahill said. “The FAA is allowing the test site to test and evaluate larger drones under real-world conditions.”
UAS
California college introduces drone pilot apprenticeship program
After completing 11 units at Fullerton College, students are matched with employers to complete the required 600 hours of paid on-the-job training.
Second drone beyond line of sight operations waiver approved
In Oklahoma, the approval means drone pilots operating on the Choctaw Nation’s Emerging Aviation Technology Center UAS Test Range need only an electronic observer while meeting requirements to remain clear of crewed aircraft while the drone is beyond the pilot’s visual range of sight.
Beyond line of sight drone flights approved in North Dakota
uAvionix, with support from the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, demonstrated to the FAA that it has established adequate risk mitigations to satisfy required safety standards for beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations in the National Airspace System, company officials said.
Getting — or giving — a drone for Christmas? Make sure it’s flown legally
Laws vary widely between the states, so check out this new report that breaks down how your state governs drones.
The Droner’s Manual updated
The new edition incorporates regulation exceptions for recreational flying and introduces The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). It also offers new information on smart batteries, solving GPS complications, drone photography, remote identification requirements, and more.
The Complete Remote Pilot updated
Now in its second edition is “The Complete Remote Pilot,” a book for those interested in obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate, which is required to operate drones for commercial use.
New name for Colorado drone organization
Since its founding in 2017, membership has grown quickly in the Central Colorado UAS club — so quickly, in fact, that it’s spurred a name change for the organization to Mountain West UAS (MWUAS).
FAA grants support research on how drones can assist in disasters
“Every second counts in an emergency, and this funding will allow drones to safely and more quickly deploy in moments when minutes matter,” said Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen.