Kansas State University’s Polytechnic Campus is offering $500 scholarships to first responders interested in attending the small unmanned aircraft systems, or sUAS, commercial remote pilot training course in 2019. The available scholarships reduce the overall course cost by 50 percent and still cover the fee for the Federal Aviation Administration written exam at the completion […]
Unmanned Systems
Unmanned Systems
FAA Targets UAS Violators for Enforcement
Pilots of unmanned aircraft (“drones”) who interfere with fighting wildfires, law enforcement efforts, or other first responders, such as medical flights, now are more likely to face serious civil penalties, even for first-time offenses. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has provided guidance (PDF) for agency personnel who handle possible drone violations to refer all cases […]
FAA Announces Key Appointments for Executive Directors of Aircraft Certification and UAS Integration
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently announced Earl Lawrence’s promotion to the Agency’s Executive Director for Aircraft Certification. Lawrence was previously Executive Director for the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Office. He succeeds Dorenda Baker, who retired Nov. 30 after a distinguished aviation safety career. Jay Merkle, Deputy Vice President […]
Deseret UAS Signs Landmark Agreement with ElectraFly
Deseret UAS has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) company, ElectraFly. This Utah-based company is developing a personal flying vehicle that has the potential to revolutionize the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry. Under the agreement, ElectraFly will begin flight testing on Deseret UAS ranges early next year. This watershed […]
FAA Reports More Than 50,000 LAANC Applications Processed
According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA), its nationwide deployment of the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) has exceeded all of the program’s original objectives. Since the program began with a prototype system in November 2017, LAANC has processed more than 50,000 applications from drone operators for authorization to fly in controlled airspace. […]
Delair Unveils UX11 Ag, New UAV Optimized for Large Scale Surveying in Agriculture and Forestry
Delair, a leading supplier of commercial drone solutions, today announced a new drone platform specifically optimized for the agriculture industry, the Delair UX11 Ag. Built on the foundation of the successful Delair UX11 fixed-wing UAV, the new version combines the productivity benefits of long-range/BVLOS flight operations with highly accurate survey-grade mapping and plant data collection […]
KDOT, Iris Automation Begin Test Flights for Integration Pilot Program
The Kansas Department of Transportation has started the testing phase of the Integration Pilot Program. Flights by Iris Automation will focus on enabling new detect and avoid capabilities for drones. Iris Automation will be testing its collision avoidance technology in the airspace above Gypsum’s farmlands. The technology uses computer vision and artificial intelligence to allow […]
Skycatch Says Edge1 Now Available Worldwide
Skycatch has announced the first-of-its-class, on-premise data processing and GNSS base station, the Skycatch Edge1. Manufactured in partnership with DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, the Skycatch Edge1 is now available worldwide. Tested and optimized for the Skycatch Explore1 and DJI Phantom 4 RTK drones, the self-positioning Edge1 allows commercial […]
FAA Restricts Drones Operating Near DOD and USCG Mobile Assets
At the request of the Department of Defense (DOD) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is using its existing authority under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations § 99.7 – “Special Security Instructions” – to address concerns about potentially malicious drone operations over certain, high-priority maritime operations. […]
AirMap Chooses Microsoft Azure as its Trusted Cloud Platform for Responsible Drone Use
Today AirMap announced that it has selected Microsoft Azure as its exclusive cloud platform to power its drone traffic management platform and developer ecosystem. AirMap will be partnering with Microsoft to evolve their products and scale to countries looking to enable the use of drones for commercial scenarios in a responsible way. With the AirMap […]
