The forecast also highlights the phenomenal growth of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), often referred to as drones. The FAA projects the small model UAS fleet to grow from 1.2 million vehicles in 2018 to 1.4 million in 2023, an average annual growth rate of 2.2 percent. The commercial, small non-model UAS fleet is forecast to nearly triple from 277,386 in 2018 to 835,211 in 2023, an average annual growth rate … Read More
FAA Establishes Restrictions on Drone Operations over Additional DOD Facilities
At the request of its Federal security partners, the FAA is using its existing authority under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations § 99.7 – “Special Security Instructions” – to address concerns about drone operations over national security-sensitive facilities by establishing temporary flight restrictions specific to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). In cooperation with Department of Defense (DOD), the FAA is establishing additional restrictions on drone flights up to 400 … Read More
100K Remote Pilot Certificates Issued
Soaring high, with no end in sight, as of today, more than 100,000 drone enthusiasts have obtained a Remote Pilot Certificate to fly a drone for commercial and recreational (not qualifying as “model aircraft”) use since the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) small drone rule went into effect on August 29, 2016. Under Part 107, the person actually flying a drone must have a Remote Pilot Certificate or be directly supervised … Read More
Restrictions Set for Drones Over National Landmarks
At the request of U.S. national security and law enforcement agencies, 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 concerns about unauthorized drone operations over 10 Department of the Interior (DOI) sites, including the Statue of Liberty and Mount Rushmore. The FAA and DOI have agreed to restrict drone flights up … Read More
Fireworks and Drones Don’t Fly!
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
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