Inside look at policing protests; Turtle conservation


VOL 4, ISSUE 20	September 29, 2020

Top Stories

Police drones over Louisville protests

Louisville radio station WFPL obtained 168 videos from the Kentucky State Police taken during recent protests. The station’s in-depth analysis revealed what a local activist called "beautiful and ugly truths." Read more and watch the videos >

Saving turtles also salvages senior year

Counting turtles provided an opportune assignment for students who are preparing for unmanned aviation careers at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Read more >

Training and Safety

Drone captured after near-miss with medical helicopter

Michigan's Spectrum Health Aero Med helicopter nearly hit a DJI Mavic Mini while landing at a local hospital. The drone was captured, and authorities would like a word with its pilot. Read more >

One more time, for the people in the back...

Unmanned aircraft continue to hamper West Coast firefighters, prompting fresh pleas to stay away. Read more >

MLB seeks to take drones out at ballgames

Drones continue to disrupt Major League Baseball games, and the league is appealing to the FAA for permission to employ countermeasures. Read more >

Create compelling content

Skyward offers six tips for journalists seeking to use unmanned aircraft to create compelling coverage during the coronavirus pandemic. Read more >

Gear

High-speed drone for first responders

An Atlanta-based drone manufacturer created a hybrid power system to achieve long-duration and high-speed flight (with a waiver). Read more >

Drone patrols home, alone

Ring, an Amazon company, announced the "Always Home Cam," an autonomous interior patrol drone that can investigate noises or verify you turned the oven off before leaving the house. Read more >

Lifestyle

Beautiful perspectives on stunning subjects

The 2020 Siena Awards Festival has named the best drone photos of 2020, including a unique category, "Empty Cities: Life under COVID-19." Read more and view the winners >

Public Safety

Florida EMS crews seek to add UAS

A Florida county will seek FAA authorization to use unmanned aircraft to deliver lifesaving medication ahead of the first-responding ground units. Research has concluded that speedy deliveries can improve outcomes. Read more >

Firefighters want to make drone program permanent

A Canadian fire department has deployed an unmanned aerial unit to 40 major incidents since 2018, and hopes to make the pilot program permanent. Read more >

A Virginia sheriff's department has 15 remote pilots on staff who have flown about 300 missions in four years, balancing public safety and privacy concerns voiced by the community. Read more and watch a video >

Regulation and Policy

FAA approves BVLOS-from-home

Commercial Drone Professional reports that Verizon subsidiary Skyward has secured FAA approval to conduct flights beyond visual line of sight, with remote pilots flying infrastructure inspections from their homes. Read more >

Administrator pitches safety to drone conference

FAA Administrator Steve Dickson delivered a video message to the Commercial UAV Expo: Success of the commercial drone industry depends on a commitment to safety. (Image courtesy of the FAA via YouTube.) Watch the video >

LAANC coverage expanded

The FAA's low altitude authorization and notification capability system has expanded to serve 726 airports, the agency reported on Facebook. Watch the video >

The lowdown on the law

Shooting down a drone is illegal, but property owners do have potential legal remedies if privacy is invaded. Read more >

News

Look up, Walmart shoppers

Walmart plans a pilot program to deliver COVID-19 test kits to Las Vegas residents, and eventually turn 4,700 stores into drone distribution bases.

A drone-launched drone

An unmanned military aircraft called Sparrowhawk is designed to launch from a larger UAS that can also recover it in flight. Read more >