February 18, 2020, issue of 'AOPA Drone Pilot'


VOL 4, ISSUE 4	February 18, 2020

Top Stories

State judge rules drone ban illegal

A Michigan pilot who was arrested and had his gear confiscated by police enforcing Genesee County's ban on drones in public parks won the next round when a state judge shot that drone ban down. Read more >

Michigan drone ban case in detail

Michigan attorney Steve Lehto covers the details of the recent court ruling against Genesee County, and its implications for pilots across the country. Watch the video >

Pilot's guide to influencing remote ID

Remote identification and tracking of drones is not going to go away, so let's start with that and do what we can to make it better. Read more >

AMA responds to remote ID

The Academy of Model Aeronautics continues to push for room to maneuver under remote ID. Read more >

Training and Safety

Why we stay away from roads

A motorcycle patrol officer in Tempe, Arizona, nearly smacked into a quadcopter, illustrating why flying over moving vehicles is illegal and unsafe. Read more and watch a video >

Picture perfect

Capturing a perfect aerial photo is not easy, and preparation will pay off. Read more >

Gear

Can you see me now?

Yuneec released a 30x zoom camera to pair with its H520 hexacopter. Read more >

Leaders of the pack

We're only two months into the year, but some drones are flying higher than others. Read more >

Using the force

Scrap the selfie stick: Motion-controlled drones empower anyone to up their angle. Read more >

Lifestyle

Everybody raise a glass

A wine club membership paid aerial delivery dividends for cruise ship passengers enduring a coronavirus quarantine. Read more >

Theatrics in flight

Why settle for a passel of pixels? Smoke and lasers add more "cowbell" to any drone show. Read more and watch a video >

Growing problem

Invasive weeds can grow too fast to cope with, but a drone can deliver timely detection. Read more >

Unique opportunities

From delivering ice cream to directing people, here's a look at some of the wildest ways drones are at work. Read more >

Public Safety

Unmanned anti-viral aircraft

China is fighting the coronavirus epidemic with drones that make medical deliveries and spray disinfectant at scale.

Eerie quiet

Aerial footage captures quiet streets in Wuhan, China (a city larger than New York), on lockdown as the coronavirus death toll climbs. Watch the video >

Little beauties

A California police department is flying drones the size of a clenched fist to help reduce conflict in hostage standoffs and other tense situations. Read more >

Police report, listen

Police in Santa Cruz, California, briefed local leaders and the community on the department's year-old police drone program. Read more >

Regulation and Policy

Confusing and conflicting rules

Pilots in Michigan are in good company facing a confusing and conflicting web of drone rules: Carroll County, Maryland, provides another example. Read more >

First amendment showdown

Journalists are fighting for the right to gather aerial images of massive cattle feedlots, while ranchers cite a 2013 law arguing that it constitutes illegal surveillance. Read more >

Fear grows for all-out ban

The U.S. Department of the Interior ban on Chinese drones prompted concern and pushback from staff at various agencies. Read more >

News

FAA takes another step toward drone integration

An unmanned version of a kitbuilt motorglider may one day patrol Florida power lines. The FAA is preparing to write new rules for certification of such aircraft. Read more >

Wingcopter and Merck deliver

German drone maker Wingcopter teamed up with pharmaceutical giant Merck to orchestrate a drone delivery. Read more >

A cue from bats

Echolocation can enable drones to easily map indoor facilities, finding their way like bats do. Read more >