On the eve of the two-year anniversary of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) establishing regulations for operating small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has released an update to its analysis of waivers by the FAA for UAS operations beyond the scope of the Small UAS Rule and found that nearly 2,000 have been granted. Continue reading
Category Archives: Regulatory Matters
FAA Restricts Drone Operations over DOD Facilities
At the request of its Federal security partners, the Federal Aviation Administration (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). Continue reading
Drone Revolution Shakes Up Tort Law
At its annual meeting in July, the National Conference of Commissioners for Uniform State Laws, otherwise known as the Uniform Law Commission (ULC), considered a proposal for changing law across the United States to reflect the impact of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones. Continue reading
FAA Hits 100K Remote Pilot Certificates Issued
Drones have really taken off! As of today, more than 100,000 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. Continue reading
EUROCONTROL Announces Communication, Navigation & Surveillance Symposium
Aviation and its infrastructure will need to adapt in the face of new emerging concepts and applications. A wide range of factors will influence the introduction of new concepts and technologies aimed at enhancing existing communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) domains, which can no longer be considered as independent silos. Continue reading
FAA Says Avoid Drone Registration Schemes
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) wants to warn drone owners – especially hobbyists — about people offering to “help” register their drones with the agency. The FAA Drone Zone is all you need – and it costs only $5.00. Continue reading
Europe Adopts New Basic Regulation for Aviation
On 26 June 2018, the European Council adopted updated aviation safety rules, which include a revised mandate for the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the first ever EU-wide rules for civil drones of all sizes. Continue reading
FAA Surveys Commercial Drone Operators
On June 19, the FAA sent a questionnaire to everyone who has registered a commercial drone – more formally, an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) – for anything but recreational or hobby use. Continue reading