Military Base Restrictions for Drone Operations

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is using its existing authority under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) § 99.7 – “Special Security Instructions” – to address national security concerns about unauthorized drone operations over 133 military facilities. This is the first time the agency has instituted airspace restrictions that specifically apply only to unmanned aircraft, popularly known as “drones.” The authority under § 99.7 is limited … Read More

Analysis of more than 300 Waivers Granted to Part 107 finds Nighttime Operations Most Common Request

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Part 107 Waivers

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) today released a report that finds nearly 90 percent of the waivers granted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under Part 107 went to small businesses. According to the report, most of the waivers allow businesses to operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) at night, which is not permitted under the current rule. The report also finds that businesses in … Read More

The 2017 UAS Symposium Begins Today

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FAA UAS Symposium

The 2017 UAS Symposium begins today, which takes place at the Hyatt Regency in Reston, VA, from March 27 to 29. The FAA and Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) are co-sponsors of this year’s Symposium, which will bring together representatives from government, industry, and academia to discuss the fast-growing unmanned aircraft (UAS) community. Nearly two dozen panels, breakout sessions, and workshops are scheduled for the three-day event. Last … Read More

Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Featured Hundreds of Drones!

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Lady Gaga Super Bowl Show to Feature Drones

Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl halftime show featured hundreds of flying lit up drones. Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl 51 halftime show Sunday will light up the sky with a coordinated swarm of several hundred aerial drones — forming different shapes as they hover above Houston’s NRG Stadium. The 12-minute halftime show, sponsored by Pepsi, will feature Lady Gaga performing under a canopy of shimmering drones, CNN reported Saturday citing sources familiar … Read More

Let’s Go Over the Drone Registration Basics

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register drone

What are Drones? A drone is an unmanned aircraft system or “UAS.” They are operated remotely and often carry audio and video recording equipment. Drones are becoming increasingly popular for recreational and non-recreational purposes. All drones weighing over .55 lbs (one half pound) must be properly labeled and require drone registration. Who Controls the USA Airspace? According to Federal Aviation Act (49 USC 40103), the federal government alone has control over “navigable airspace.” Navigable airspace … Read More

Lost & Found Drone Forms Now Live

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drone-faq

Have you lost a drone? Use this form to report a lost drone. If the drone is reported as found we will attempt to arrange the return of the found drone. If you have found a drone, please fill out the Found a Drone form. If you have found a lost drone we will attempt to notify the owner of the lost drone and arrange pickup. If you have lost your … Read More

FAA Issues Part 107 Waivers, Airspace Authorizations

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began issuing Part 107 waivers and airspace authorizations to drone operators starting August 29, 2016, the effective date of the new rule.  As of October 24, 2016, the agency has approved 81 authorizations for flights in Class D and E airspace, and has issued 36 waivers of Part 107 provisions to drone operators who applied after the rule’s effective date. However, the agency has found … Read More