February 4, 2020, issue of 'AOPA Drone Pilot'


VOL 4, ISSUE 3	February 4, 2020

Top Stories

AOPA seeks to improve drone tracking

While AOPA supports remote identification of unmanned aircraft in broad terms, the rules that the FAA has proposed would impose needless burdens on recreational users and others who keep their aircraft in sight. Read more >

Tell your story

One of the drone industry's high-profile advocates scolds the Academy of Model Aeronautics over a lack of leadership on remote ID, and suggests a more constructive approach than copy/paste. Read more >

Spreading the word

AOPA Director of Regulatory Affairs Christopher Cooper detailed his top concerns for remote identification to an industry publication. Read more >

Training and Safety

Teachable moments

Although regulations might seem clear enough, AOPA Air Safety Institute instructor Tom Curran finds himself reminding hobbyists about the dangers they appear not to see. Read more >

Even the big boys have bad days

A university research drone ended a flight in pieces scattered in a neighbor's yard, and cellphone video shows us the aftermath. Read more and watch a video >

Super-sized charges

A Florida man faces up to a year in prison after flying a drone in restricted airspace near the Super Bowl. Read more >

Gear

A drone that could play dodgeball

Skydio has taken drone autonomy to a new level, and you may never have to climb a tree to fetch this one. Read more >

Under the hood

If you've ever wanted to tear a drone to pieces just to see what's in there, this DJI Spark dissection is for you. Read more >

Matrice 300 coming

Multiple controllers and more are expected in DJI's upcoming Matrice 300, scheduled for a February release. Read more >

Lifestyle

Eye on the environment

While cinematic, this video was really made to carry an environmental advocacy message about dangerous waste stored near a town in southern Spain. Watch the video >

Unmanned aerial stalker

When a Maine woman realized a drone had been following her car, she turned to local police. There was little they could do. Read more >

Life of a remote pilot

Integrated systems provider Microdrones created a new reality TV series to showcase its products. Read more >

Public Safety

High-profile investigation

After the deadly helicopter crash that killed nine people including basketball legend Kobe Bryant, the NTSB used drones to gather data from the wreckage. Read more >

Public health alerts

At first, they were secretive. Now, health officials in China have deployed drones to warn citizens of the dangers associated with the coronavirus outbreak. Watch the video >

British police drone powers may expand

U.K. police would be empowered to inspect, seize, and issue fines for drone flights under new legislation. Read more >

Regulation and Policy

DJI decries politics of drone ban

As the U.S. Department of the Interior grounds Chinese-made drones over cybersecurity concerns, DJI says it is really about politics. Read more >

Airline dives into drone delivery

Japan Airlines will begin testing medical supply deliveries this spring, flying well beyond line of sight. Read more >

News

Matternet resumes Swiss flights

After two crashes in 2019, Swiss Post announced its drones will resume delivery operations. Read more >

Wide-open spaces a plus

Alaska's remoteness made the state a hub for testing cutting-edge drone technology. Read more >

K-Max UAS for civilians

Kaman, the manufacturer of the K-Max helicopter that has logged many military flights overseas, has created a kit to enable autonomous helicopter operations by civilians. Read more >