NUAIR and PABLO AIR, a South Korea-based drone service provider, have signed a memorandum of understanding to help develop regulatory compliant commercial drone solutions for United States clients. Continue reading
Category Archives: Regulatory Matters
NASA’s Extensible Traffic Management (xTM) Research
NASA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) project introduced a new Air Traffic Management (ATM) architecture that utilizes industry’s ability to supply industry-developed, third-party services that work complementarily with the FAA-provided Air Traffic Service (ATS) to exchange relevant air vehicle information among the UAS operations and between the UTM and the conventional ATM system. Continue reading
ANAC Approves iFood Drone Deliveries in Brazil
The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) authorized the manufacturer Speedbird Aero to carry out commercial drone deliveries in Brazil. This was the first authorization granted by the Agency for the commercial operation of an unmanned aircraft used in the delivery of products. Continue reading
Joby’s Second Prototype Gets FAA and USAF Airworthiness Approvals
California-based Joby Aviation’s second pre-production prototype aircraft has been granted airworthiness approvals. Continue reading
Japan to Lift Ban on Level 4 Drone Flight
The Japanese government is expected to lift its ban on Level 4 drone flights, perhaps as soon as April of this year. Currently, some beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone flights can be permitted in “less populated areas” such as the remote islands and mountainous areas of Japan. Continue reading
Michigan and Ontario to Create Cross-Border Commercial Drone Skyway
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan and Ontario are collaborating on a first-of-its kind technology initiative involving unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This effort involves studying the feasibility of a commercial drone skyway in three proposed areas, including an international connection between Michigan and Ontario, southeast Michigan, and any other suitable location in the state. Continue reading
Disharmony in Harmonized EU Rules
In 2019, the European Union (EU) passed regulations for the aviation safety of civilian drones. They are aimed to foster innovation and ensure the safe integration of drones, of all sizes, into European airspace. Continue reading
Legislation Could Mandate DOD to Review How it Categorizes Drones
Recently proposed legislation would require the Defense Department to review its official framework for categorizing drones – and establish whether terms used reflect up-to-date commercial unmanned aircraft system technologies. Continue reading