November 13, 2018, issue of 'AOPA Drone Pilot'


VOL 2, ISSUE 23	November 13, 2018

Top Stories

Here comes autonomy

Computer programmers may become the real heroes behind drone rescues, and sooner than you might think. (Photo courtesy of MIT.) Read more >

Training and Safety

Fly it like you ride it

Unmanned aircraft pilots, and the industry, would benefit from adopting manned aviation's approach to risk management. Read more >

The best weather tool you've never heard of

An AOPA survey found most pilots have never heard of this low-altitude weather information source. It's worth bookmarking. Read more >

Stay sharp, warm

A new simulator from DJI might help you keep the rust off while you stay warm indoors this winter. Read more and watch a video >

Gear

Fly with one hand

A former astronaut developed a single-handed drone controller that may work with what you fly today. Read more >

Droning below

An Australian startup is marketing a drone that can find its own way through underground tunnels. Read more and watch a video >

Parrot unveils agriculture kit

Parrot's package for agriculture applications includes multiple sensors and retails for $4,500. Read more >

Rugged little quad

EWATT AeroSpace posted a video online to introduce the Espect, a compact quadcopter made for inspection and tough environments. Watch the video >

Lifestyle

Top speed

Australian teen Rudi Browning won the title (and $24,000) at the 2018 FAI World Drone Racing Championships in China. Watch the video >

Engaging girls

Women and Drones CEO Sharon Rossmark talks about igniting passion for science, technology, engineering, and math with drones in this InterDrone podcast. Listen now >

Aquatic teamwork

Michigan college students won a $500 prize for a drone that can land in water and deploy a submersible. Read more >

Public Safety

DJI working 'around the clock' on battery problem

Public safety operators first reported DJI in-flight battery failures involving models that power Matrice and Inspire 2 drones last month, and the drone maker reports the fix is still in progress. Read the latest >

Another headache for DJI

Law enforcement and government organizations have been particularly concerned about data security. A recently patched software vulnerability could have allowed hackers to access DJI drone cameras and location data in flight. Read more >

Kentucky eyes drones for gunshot detection

Police in Louisville, Kentucky, may fly microphones to locate gunfire in an effort to combat violent crime. Read more >

Catch a falling victim

Here's a novel application for drones in public safety: Team them up to carry a net and catch people falling from high-rise buildings. Read more and watch a video >

Regulation and Policy

Watchdog audits LAANC

The U.S. Department of Transportation inspector general is taking a close look at the FAA's system for approving drone flights in controlled airspace. Read more >

High anxiety

The as-yet unknown risk that drones pose to manned aircraft remains a matter of debate. Read more >

News

Robird chases, airports safer

A robotic falcon has proved its worth chasing birds away from a North Dakota airport. Read more >

PrecisionHawk buying spree continues

PrecisionHawk has added another drone services company to its growing portfolio, betting millions on the belief that only the large will survive. Read more >

Drones deliver vaccines

UNICEF sees huge potential for saving lives around the world using drones to deliver vaccines. Read more >

Bear video goes viral

Not everyone is pleased about a viral video of bears taken by a drone pilot in Russia. Some scientists think he crossed a line. Read more and watch the video >

Irrigation efficiency

A drone buzzing around the University of Texas at Austin may help the school conserve water. Read more >