Internet ID requirement dropped; Clowning around


VOL 5, ISSUE 1	January 5, 2021

Top Stories

Remote ID will not require internet

Most drones will be required to broadcast remote identification data by 2023, but the FAA opted not to require internet connections. Flights over people and at night will also be allowed without waivers. Read more >

Lawyers analyze first major overhaul of drone rules

The FAA received more than 50,000 comments in 2020 on the first draft of the new rules for remote identification of unmanned aircraft. Many elements of the final rule reflect changes sought by AOPA and other stakeholders. Read more >

Wing voices delivery privacy concern

Alphabet Inc. subsidiary Wing criticized the FAA final rule for remote identification of drones, citing concern that broadcasting the required information will compromise privacy. Read more >

Training and Safety

Night primer

Remote pilots will soon be required to know a few things about flying after dark not previously included on FAA exams. This 2017 article about flying (manned aircraft) at night will get you started. Take a deeper dive into the topic with this collection of AOPA articles, and see what you'll be able to do with your new freedom.

FAA expands drone restrictions

Restrictions on drone flights near secure facilities have expanded to include the Rock Island Arsenal on the Mississippi River and the Biometric Technology Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Read more >

The lowlights of 2020

Midair collisions involving drones made unwelcome headlines in 2020, including:

A collision with a news helicopter investigated by the NTSB.
A collision with a police helicopter that prompted a criminal charge.
A near miss involving the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

Gear

Breaking down the 'blacklist'

Attorney Dawn Zoldi drills down on the implications of the latest federal action against DJI. Read more >

Freeing up a hand

If you've ever thought that flying with two thumbs is too much, Knuckles-5 has created a flight controller that only requires one. Read more >

Lifestyle

First-person Colorado

Denver-based cinematographer Will Strathmann built his own drones to capture stunning perspectives. Watch his story >

All for Gizmo

The search for a missing llama named Gizmo brought this New York town together. Read more >

The year that was

Photographer Armando Martinez celebrated the end of 2020 with a montage of striking images. View a video and photos >

Public Safety

Flights that mattered

Drone delivery pioneer Zipline joined the fight against the coronavirus in May, and wound up logging more than 15,000 deliveries in North Carolina by the end of the year. Read more >

Florida bill looks to expand drone use

Florida legislators are considering whether to allow law enforcement to monitor crowds, assist with traffic control, and collect crime-scene evidence using unmanned aircraft. Read more >

Regulation and Policy

Integration challenges

Remote identification is just one aspect of a broader effort to manage a massive influx of new aircraft. Read more >

On the same page

European countries (including the United Kingdom) announced new unmanned aircraft regulations to create continuity across borders. Read more >

News

Australia monitors beachgoers

As the Southern Hemisphere basks in summer sun, Australian authorities are enforcing social distancing on beaches with drones. Read more >

Landslide prompts team recovery effort

Drones, dogs, and helicopters were deployed after a landslide left 10 people missing in Norway. Read more >