Virginia's Governor Ralph Shearer Northam signed legislative bill HB638 last week. The bill is a major win for Virginia's drone industry, making a move to prevent localities from enacting their own regulations and creating the problematic "patchwork quilt" of drone rules within the state. The law, which will go into effect on July 1, 2018, states: “§ 15.2-926.3. Local … [Read more...] about State Drone Laws: Virginia’s HB638 Signed in a Win for the Industry
Featured - FAA and Regulations
The PfCO: What is it, and Who Needs One? Guidance for U.K. Professionals
The following is a guest post from Ben Duke, training expert at UK-based commercial drone specialists Coptrz. The drone industry is growing at a rapid rate so it’s incredibly important to understand the permissions you need to fly your drone, particularly for commercial enterprises. One important question is who actually needs a license? If you are simply a hobbyist … [Read more...] about The PfCO: What is it, and Who Needs One? Guidance for U.K. Professionals
A New Phase of UTM Testing is Underway – Here’s Why This One is Different
Here at DRONELIFE we've had a major advantage in making sense of NASA's unmanned traffic management (UTM) testing and what it means for drone operators everywhere: we've got Amit Ganjoo of ANRA Technologies' phone number. A major player in both UTM and drone operations management, ANRA's been a big part of the UTM project since the beginning; and Amit has been generous with … [Read more...] about A New Phase of UTM Testing is Underway – Here’s Why This One is Different
The FAA’s Part 107 Fact Sheet: Quick Clarification for Drone Operators
In most places, commercial drone operation requires certification; and in the United States, that's a Part 107 Remote Pilot's Certificate from the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA.) Many drone purchasers, however, are unaware of the existing laws that apply to drone operation. Offering clarity and emphasizing safety, the FAA has published a Fact Sheet about Part 107 … [Read more...] about The FAA’s Part 107 Fact Sheet: Quick Clarification for Drone Operators
Here We Are Again: Congress Pushes Off FAA Reauthorization Until September
News and Commentary. At this point, it's hardly a surprise. The FAA's extension of an extension of an extension has once again been... extended. The current extension was set to run out at the end of this month, but the spending bill before the President includes a small addition extending it again until the end of September. If you want the exact count of extensions, … [Read more...] about Here We Are Again: Congress Pushes Off FAA Reauthorization Until September
