Phenomenal UAS Growth Forecasted by FAA

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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

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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

Fireworks and Drones Don’t Fly!

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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

FAA has Established Drone I.D. Rulemaking Committee

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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

The FAA Has Published the First Set of UAS Facility Maps

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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

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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

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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

Let’s Go Over the Drone Registration Basics

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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

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

Unmanned Aircraft Safety Team Holds First Meeting

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The Unmanned Aircraft Safety Team (UAST), held its first meeting October 18-19 in Washington, DC. FAA Administrator Michael Huerta announced the creation of the UAST at the White House Drone Day on August 2. The group, which includes a wide variety of stakeholders from the drone and aviation industries, as well as the government, gathered to analyze data to enhance safety and operations of drones in the nation’s airspace. The UAST … Read More