Fireworks, Drones and Airplanes Don’t Mix The FAA has sent out a service reminder to everyone in the drone community this 4th of July celebration. As people travel, purchase fireworks and fly drones over the Independence Day holiday, the FAA reminds them to know and follow the aviation safety rules. Here are general guidelines for people flying drones: Don’t fly your drone in or near fireworks Don’t fly over people … Read More
Safe DRONE Act of 2017
The Safe DRONE Act of 2017 is being introduced by four U.S. senators in a bipartisan bill designed to advance the development of the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry and ensure the U.S. keeps pace in the development and implementation of the technology. The Safe DRONE Act of 2017 is being introduced by U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner, D-Va.; John Hoeven, R-N.D.; Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev.; and Dean Heller, R-Nev. There … Read More
Second Set of UAS Facility Maps Released
The FAA has released the second set of UAS Facility Maps. As mentioned previously (The FAA Has Published the First Set Of UAS Facility Maps), the UAS flight maps will be rolling out in a patchwork like method covering areas and specific locations which may be more sensitive than others first. The maps may be found through the arcgis portal and you may read more about the UAS Facility Maps … Read More
FAA has Established Drone I.D. Rulemaking Committee
Who is operating that drone? That’s the question law enforcement and homeland security want to know when an unmanned aircraft (UAS) appears to be flying in an unsafe manner or where it’s not supposed to fly. Currently, there are no established requirements or voluntary standards for electrically broadcasting information to identify an unmanned aircraft while it’s in the air. To help protect the public and the National Airspace System from … Read More
FAA Safety Briefing: You and UAS
The FAA Safety Briefing for May/June changes it’s focus to the (UAS) Unmanned Aircraft System or commonly know as Drones. Featuring articles on UAS integration into our airspace, who requires a certificate, where you may find additional resources on the web, law enforcement guides, and more. We’ve included some links below to the full publication as well as individual sections of which may be of interest. Download (PDF) Download (EPUB) Featured … Read More
The FAA Has Published the First Set of UAS Facility Maps
The Federal Aviation Administration has published more than 200 facility maps to assist in streamlining the commercial drone authorization process. The maps depict areas and altitudes near airports where UAS may operate safely. Drone operators will still need FAA authorization to fly in those areas. The maps will help drone operators improve the quality of their Part 107 airspace authorization requests and help the FAA process the requests more quickly. … Read More
FAA to Release Drone Flight Maps
Update: The FAA has now released the first series of drone flight maps. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to release the first set of drone or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) maps on April 27. The maps will depict areas and altitudes near airports where UAS may operate safely. They will help drone operators improve the quality of their Part 107 airspace authorization requests and will help the FAA process … Read More
Military Base Restrictions for Drone Operations
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
FAA Issues Part 107 Waivers, Airspace Authorizations
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
Do Not Fly Near Hurricane Emergency Response Efforts
The FAA has posted the following information statement about the Hurricane Matthew and operating a UAS. As a result of Hurricane Matthew, there will likely be significant recovery efforts and the FAA may issue flight restrictions in the vicinity of disaster areas. During response operations to Hurricane Matthew, authorized aircraft may be flying at very low altitudes over affected areas. Unauthorized UAS or drone operations may prevent other aircraft from performing life-saving missions and increase the risk of mid-air collision. Anyone, including hobbyist or recreational fliers, who … Read More