The FAA is launching a new safety campaign, 12 Days of Drones, to educate people who are giving — and receiving — drones during the upcoming holiday season.
Unmanned Aerial Systems
ASA releases online ground school for drone pilots
The virtual test prep course is designed for those who are flying a drone for non-hobby operations, which requires a Remote Pilot Certificate. Earning that certificate requires you to pass an FAA knowledge exam.
Work begins on Emerging Aviation Technology Center
The center, located near Redden, Oklahoma, will serve as a hub for research, development, testing, and evaluation for crewed and uncrewed aerial system technologies, according of officials.
FAA extends Remote ID enforcement date for drone pilots
Drone pilots who are unable to comply with the FAA’s broadcast requirement of the Remote ID Rule now have until March 16, 2024, to equip their aircraft. The original deadline was Sept. 16, 2023.
Researchers study near misses between airplanes and drones
Given that most close calls happen within 1.5 miles of a runway approach or departure zone, researchers recommend extending the runway exclusion zone for drones at the ends of high-risk runways from about 1 mile to 3.5 miles.
Drone Safety Day returns in April
Slated for April 29, 2023, Drone Safety Day is designed to educate drone pilots about the importance of flying safely.
Special waiver makes Alaska the first frontier in drone research
“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.”
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.