September 19, 2017, issue of 'AOPA Drone Pilot'


VOL 1, ISSUE 16	September 19, 2017

Top Stories

Drones deliver storm response

In the aftermath of two major hurricanes, drones were deployed in unprecedented numbers to search for victims, assess critical infrastructure, and support live television coverage. Successful missions cemented a perception of drones as tools for public benefit. (Photo courtesy of SkyFire Consulting.) Read more >

Training and Safety

Advanced drone training in Colorado

Multicopter Warehouse, the Colorado retailer that has co-presented drone seminars with AOPA at various events, is offering a two-day class Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 in Littleton, Colorado, covering advanced piloting and camera techniques. The course costs $300, or $450 for two people. A short video provides more detail about the program. Register online >

FAA official presents public safety drone webinar

John Meehan, a helicopter pilot and FAA official who works on unmanned aircraft issues at the agency, will present a webinar Sept. 20 from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on the use of drones by public safety agencies. Meehan noted in a Facebook post that the FAA likely will continue to host webinars on this topic on the third Wednesday of each month. Register online >

CORRECTION: The Sept. 19 issue of AOPA Drone Pilot incorrectly referred to the employment status of John Meehan, who remains with the FAA working on unmanned aircraft matters. AOPA regrets the error.

North Carolina DOT presents drone seminar

The North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of Aviation will offer a free drone workshop for commercial and government operators Sept. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time at Cape Fear Community College in Castle Hayne. Registration closes Sept. 22. Register online >

Gear

Parrot offers starter drone for aspiring racers

French drone maker Parrot is about to release a $180 mini drone with first-person view goggles and a camera, a low-cost option for novices who aspire to hone drone racing skills. Read more >

AeroVironment riding high

AeroVironment, a drone manufacturer based in Los Angeles, has seen its stock surge thanks in part to strong sales of military and defense products, particularly small systems with an aircraft about the size of a water bottle. Read more >

Inspection data capture detailed

Walter and Oliver Volkmann of Drone2GIS Inc. and Micro Aerial Projects completed a large-scale roof inspection job (70 new homes). They describe in detail the equipment they used to capture, organize, and analyze the data. Read more >

'AOPA Drone Pilot' reader wins iPad mini 4

Congratulations to AOPA Drone Pilot reader Hal Morris of Moore, South Carolina, who won an Apple iPad Mini 4 for participating in the recent reader survey. AOPA values the input of all who participated in the survey. The results will help to keep AOPA Drone Pilot relevant to our readers.

Lifestyle

DJI offers loaner Mavics for contest

DJI and National Geographic are hosting a photography contest, with entries to be posted on Instagram by Oct. 21. In conjunction with the contest, DJI is offering free, two-week loans of the Mavic Pro or Phantom 4 quadcopter. Learn more >

Five tips for Mavic Pro pilots

Photographer Ty Poland offers five expert tips for getting the most out of a DJI Mavic Pro, and explains why it has become a constant companion. Read more >

Survey: Drone pilot market 'flooded'

Skylogic Research has released a new report on the unmanned aircraft industry, finding the U.S. market is "flooded" with drone pilots. The abundance of pilots has left relatively few able to sustain a full-time venture. Skylogic CEO Colin Snow said the data show 85 percent of drone pilots make less than $50,000 a year, and 79 percent perform five or fewer drone operations per month. The full report is available for purchase online. Learn more >

Aerial photographer tries online matching

Commercial drone pilot and photographer Kara Murphy recently moved from California to Michigan, and tried four different online directories to get her drone business back in the air. Read more >

Regulation and Policy

Oregon lawmakers inquire about drones to fight wildfires

Lawmakers representing Oregon wrote a letter to top officials at the FAA and the U.S. Forest Service inquiring whether more can be done to facilitate the use of drones in wildfire response. Read more >

Illinois county enacts drone restrictions

A local hospital and jail have been declared off-limits to drone overflights by lawmakers in Cook County, Illinois. Read more >

Rupprecht offers drone law guide

Florida attorney Jonathan Rupprecht has published online the "Ultimate Guide to Drone Laws from a Lawyer & Pilot," covering U.S. and international rules and regulations. Read more >

News

Low and local weather for drone pilots

Earth Networks is launching a low-altitude and "hyperlocal" weather service that provides details on wind and other conditions expected at altitudes ranging from 10 to 400 feet, in 10-foot increments. Read more >

Drone crashes into Massachusetts home

A film crew visiting from Australia had a bad day on Cape Cod, smashing a window and interrupting a retired doctor's afternoon. Read more >

Water rescue demo planned

The Emergency Services Show UK will feature a demonstration of life-saving drones able to deliver a life raft to aircraft crash survivors. Read more >

Border agents test hand-launched drones

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents are testing three different hand-launched drone platforms in Arizona, Texas, and Vermont. Read more >