Join the integration conversation; Confessions enhance safety


VOL 5, ISSUE 9	April 27, 2021

Top Stories

Speaking up on drone integration

A panel discussion at an International Civil Aviation Organization event prompted AOPA to reiterate support for drone integration, as long as participation by the rest of general aviation remains voluntary. Two online surveys of pilots and other stakeholders seek additional views. Read more and voice your own views >

First powered flight on Mars complete

A small piece of the Wright brothers' first powered aircraft was aboard the small helicopter that made the first powered flight on another planet. Read more >

Willing to crash

NASA's dual-rotor drone expanded its flight envelope to include more than simple hovering as engineers seek the limits of what Ingenuity can do in the thin atmosphere of Mars, even if that means destroying the fragile aircraft. Read more >

Federal drones used to monitor protests

Investigative reporters used the Freedom of Information Act to reveal how the federal government deployed drones to monitor protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Read more >

CORRECTION: An article description in the April 13 issue of AOPA Drone Pilot incorrectly identified the state where a Virginia man was accused of harassing police and firefighters with an unregistered drone. We regret the error.

Training and Safety

Safety reports by drone pilots encouraged

Pilots have for decades made anonymous confessions of aviation transgressions through the NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System. Remote pilots are invited to participate as well. Read more >

Part 107 overhaul takes effect

Updated regulations now allow Part 107 operations at night without a waiver, as well as flight over moving vehicles and people in certain circumstances. The FAA explains the new privileges online, including how to get permission for night flight in controlled airspace while the automated system is being updated.

Anticollision tech upgraded

Iris Automation announced that Casia X, an upgraded, on-board, multi-camera detect-and-avoid solution for unmanned aircraft, will be ready to ship in May. Read more >

DJI confirms legacy drones will be compliant

The world's largest maker of small civilian drones will enable current DJI models to comply with Part 89 requirements by the time broadcasting a digital license plate is required. Read more >

Virtual workshop on teaching with drones

Women and Drones and the North Texas UAS Task Force will host a two-hour online event on May 1 featuring expert commentary on how drones are being used in classrooms. Learn more and register >

Lifestyle

Flying QR code

A novel use of drones to communicate information unfolded in the Shanghai sky as 1,500 aircraft formed a scannable code that spectators on the ground could translate with a smartphone. Decode the message >

Military vet coaches drone soccer

Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Kyle Sanders is helping young pilots prepare to compete in the United States Drone Soccer League. Read more >

Helping to halt extinction

Drones may play a critical role in saving a treasured species of dolphin from extinction. Read more >

News

New tech on the horizon

DJI released the Air 2S on April 15, and independent reviews showed up the same day. Meanwhile, Sony called attention to its first drone ahead of Airpeak's release.

Florida looks to expand law enforcement flights

Florida lawmakers advanced a bill that would allow law enforcement agencies to use drones for crowd surveillance, traffic management, and evidence collection. Read more >

Drone follows robotic nose

The University of Washington prototyped the Smellicopter with disaster response in mind. Read more >