UAS VISION
an independent online news service for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems world
The Federal Aviation Administration granted approval to Xcel Energy for drone flights beyond the operator’s line of sight. Through its new Part 107 waiver, the company claims it will be the first utility in the nation to routinely fly drones BVLOS when it begins surveying transmission lines near Denver. Continue reading
The French government has proposed a new law making it mandatory for all drones to be fitted with electronic conspicuity beacons – an idea with big implications for the future of drone regulation. Continue reading
Drone deliveries, drone inspections and even autonomous flying taxis are near term realities, and to make these services safe and efficient ICAO has begun the consultative work needed to establish low-altitude traffic management guidance for domestic unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Continue reading
Rocketmine, a South African based subsidiary of the Delta Drone Group has become the first drone operator in Africa to obtain both Basic Compliance Verification (BCV) and Basic Aviation Risk Standards (BARS) certifications, after almost a year of intense auditing through independent consultants. Continue reading
Thales, a global leader in air traffic management, has signed an agreement with NASA that will lead to more growth at the UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport in Rome. Continue reading
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is poised to announce soon—possibly as early as this week—action toward a new rule that would eventually clear the way for drones flying over people and beyond the line-of-sight of their operators. Continue reading
Yesterday, the SESAR Joint Undertaking published the “European ATM Master Plan: Roadmap for the Safe Integration of Drones into all Classes of Airspace”. This document forms the basis for further integration into the official European ATM Master Plan, which will be formally updated this year under the overall theme of “the digitalisation of aviation infrastructure”, in preparation for the upcoming ICAO Air Navigation Conference. Continue reading
Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh
The recently created pilot program for communities wanting to expand unmanned aircraft operations will help push the technology and integration forward, said speakers at the kickoff of the third annual FAA UAS Symposium, cosponsored by the FAA and AUVSI. One such city might be Baltimore, where the symposium is being held. Catherine Pugh, the mayor of Charm City, noted that her campaign used drone footage for an ad promoting her candidacy. Continue reading