October 29, 2019, issue of 'AOPA Drone Pilot'


VOL 3, ISSUE 22	October 29, 2019

Top Stories

How an NTSB drone documented a B–17 crash

NTSB investigators used a drone to document the recent Boeing B–17 Flying Fortress crash in Connecticut, and that data may contribute to insights not previously achievable. (Photo courtesy of the NTSB via YouTube.) Read more >

Training and Safety

Confidential drone pilot confessions

Get ready to mark the first FAA Drone Safety Awareness Week (November 4 through 10) with a few lessons learned the hard way. Read more >

Far above the legal limit

JetBlue pilots reported a drone sighting at 3,500 feet during their final descent into Boston. Read more >

Gear

Charging on the fly

Skydio announced an accessory that facilitates fully autonomous flight and charging. Read more and watch a video >

DJI Mavic Mini expected soon

The rumor mill is abuzz about DJI's Mavic Mini, which is expected to arrive within days. Read more >

Lifestyle

The future is flight

Companies are working to scale drone delivery while remaining focused on safety. Read more >

Robot on the set

Researchers enable drones to capture compelling shots without human help. Read more >

Public Safety

Doubling down

After a successful first year, the Los Angeles Fire Department is looking to double its drone fleet. Read more >

Detecting signs of life

Researchers are designing drone software to remotely detect heartbeats and breathing to help rescuers find survivors in disaster areas. Read more >

Another thermal rescue

A drone with thermal imaging capability found a missing 6-year-old and his dog in a cornfield. Read more >

Hands-on request

AOPA Drone Pilot contributor and North Carolina firefighter Steve Rhode could use help from pilots in the region, or willing to travel, testing aircraft integration and refining procedures for responses involving manned and unmanned aircraft. Contact Rhode online for details.

Regulation and Policy

Delegating power

A Utah senator is planning to introduce a bill that would empower state and local governments to regulate drones. Read more >

Drone security bill advances

A House committee approved legislation to block federal drone purchases from China. Read more >

DJI elevates lobbying

Drone legislation advancing through the House spurs lobbying from DJI. Read more >

News

Google delivers

Google's sister company Wing successfully delivered cough medicine to a family in Christiansburg, Virginia. Read more >

Liability concerns

With drone delivery ramping up, so too are questions about who's liable if a drone takes a tumble. Read more >

Maryland airport to host drone center

A new drone testing center is planned for Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport in Maryland. Read more >

Attracting a new generation

Australia is using drone racing to recruit gamers and innovators for the nation's military. Read more >