September 4, 2018, issue of 'AOPA Drone Pilot'


VOL 2, ISSUE 18	September 4, 2018

Top Stories

A technology in tension

Two years after the FAA rules for commercial drone operations took effect, tension persists between demands for safety and calls to do more with unmanned aircraft. Read more >

A flying autonomous ambulance

A Silicon Valley startup is the latest to test technology to eventually make manned aircraft (on medical missions, in this case) into unmanned aircraft. Read more >

Training and Safety

Sharpen your stick skills

A proficient drone pilot can capture smoother footage and react better to unexpected conditions such as wind gusts or obstacles. Read more >

Learn drones at AOPA Fly-In

The Professional Aerial Photographers Association is sponsoring its first drone workshop during an AOPA Fly-In on Sept. 14 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. PAPA, AOPA, and DJI will offer valuable tips. The $99 fee covers this workshop, lunch, and another workshop of your choice. Register today >

Gear

Dive, captain!

SwellProUSA and Urban Drones are working on a drone able to fly, float, submerge, and resume flying. That's a first. Read more >

DJI launches two new Mavics

Impressive optics and a compact package make some wonder if DJI's new Mavics will mark the end of the Phantom era. Read more >

Epson glasses add AR to FPV

Epson has released an app to enable drone control and augmented reality with its Moverio glasses. Read more >

Lifestyle

Aerial perspectives

Award-winning sports photographer Donald Miralle has added drones to his toolkit with impressive results. Check out his favorites >

Georgia team takes title

McIntosh High School's drone team won the UAS4STEM championship for the second straight year. Read more >

Public Safety

Ohio preps for school emergencies with drones

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is using drones to help local agencies respond to school emergencies. Read more and watch a video >

Firefighters: No time to take down drones

Drones are an invaluable tool to firefighters, but in at least 19 cases illegal flights have caused problems. Read more >

Lifeguards test drones in New Jersey

The town of Belmar, New Jersey, teamed with Rutgers University to deploy life vests from unmanned aircraft at the beach. Read more and watch a video >

Austin police map crash scenes

Drones will soon be assisting police in Austin, Texas, with fatal-crash investigations. Read more and watch a video >

Medical delivery demonstrated

AT&T and Softbox are collaborating on field trials with Merck to deliver temperature-sensitive medicine in Puerto Rico. Read more >

Regulation and Policy

FAA reins in IPP

The FAA has asked UAS Integration Pilot Program participants to focus on priorities, and not try to do too much. Read more >

Japanese manufacturers develop certification standards

Makers of industrial-use drones in Japan are developing standards to certify their products. Read more >

News

Drone discovers Amazon tribe

Aerial images released by the government of Brazil show the discovery of an isolated tribe in the Amazon that has had no known contact with the outside world. Read more and watch a video >

Uber focused on food

Uber announced plans to launch food delivery drones at the firm's third Elevate conference in Japan. Read more >

'Lost Squadron' Lightning found with drone assist

A P–38 Lightning from a squadron missing for 70 years was found deep under a glacier with help from an unmanned aircraft. Read more >

Colombia targets cocaine farms with drones

The government of Colombia has started spraying herbicide on cocaine crops with drones. Read more >

Best use for drones, ever

IBM has been awarded a patent for drones that predict when you need perking up, then deliver coffee. Read more >