July 10, 2018, issue of 'AOPA Drone Pilot'


VOL 2, ISSUE 14	July 10, 2018

Top Stories

Drones fight poachers, thieves

An anti-poaching effort launched in 2014 to protect African elephants has new tools, and new territory to patrol. (Photo courtesy of Air Shepherd/UAV and Drone Solutions.) Read more >

Training and Safety

Flying for the story

The Missouri Drone Journalism Program has learned a few things about getting the story done with a drone. Read more >

Author seeks standards

Brett Hoffstadt's new book on drones in civil engineering prompted this interview with Commercial UAV News in which he details his own experience and notes that the industry will benefit from standardization. Read more >

Gear

Two takes on Anafi

Parrot's Anafi drone impressed Digital Trends, while The Verge offers a more critical assessment.

Evo arrives at last

Autel Robotics has at last put the folding Evo quadcopter on the market, but will it compete with the DJI Mavic? Read more >

Accessorize a Mavic Air

Filters and other accessories from Freewell make a Mavic Air more capable. Read more >

Rugged flyer

The Tundra-M is made with tough jobs in mind, and the award-winning design with a built-in parachute is now headed to production. Read more >

Lifestyle

Sweet dreams

AOPA Foundation scholarship winner Zachary Huffman has found a place for drones, and other kinds of aircraft, in his new career(s). Read more >

AOPA Drone Social tickets almost gone

A few free seats remain available for the AOPA Drone Social during EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on July 27 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Food and beverages will be provided, and a 20-minute presentation by event sponsor PrecisionHawk will be followed by time to network and socialize. Register now >

Drone camp

The FAA worked with the University of Alaska Fairbanks to inspire middle school students with drones. Read more >

Public Safety

The drones you need

Fire department drone pilot and instructor Steve Rhode has seen too many departments throw money away on the latest and greatest, rather than training pilots to get the most out of lower-cost equipment. Read more >

Protecting aerial firefighters

Colorado lawmakers want to make it a federal felony to disrupt firefighting with a drone. Read more >

Regulation and Policy

Shared airspace

The success or failure of a young but promising drone industry hinges on whether drone pilots can follow the rules. Read more >

Drone flown at airport

A drone was recently flown around an upstate New York airport to test airspace integration. Read more >

Check your inbox: FAA seeks survey responses

Anyone who has registered a drone for Part 107 (non-hobby) operations will have received by now an email from the FAA seeking responses to a 10-minute anonymous online survey that will help shape future policy. "We want—and need—your input," the agency wrote.

News

Greenpeace crashes drone into nuclear plant

Greenpeace deliberately crashed a small drone into a nuclear power plant in France to highlight gaps in security. Read more >

Gangster gone, drones blamed

French authorities believe drones played a role in a daring prison break. Read more >

Raytheon drones swarm for Navy

Raytheon's Coyote drones have probed storms, and now have a new mission for the U.S. Navy. Read more >

Drones used offshore

The offshore wind industry is turning to drones in increasing numbers. Read more >

Bird drones spy in China

Drones made to look and fly like birds in China may actually be spies. Read more >