Federal judge strikes down restrictive Texas drone law By Jim Magill A federal judge has struck down a Texas drone law, one of the most restrictive in the country, for violating the First Amendment’s protections of freedom of speech and the press. U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman on March 28 ruled that Chapter 423 of the Texas Government Code was unconstitutional and … [Read more...] about Texas Drone Law Struck Down: Restrictions Violate First Amendment Rights
Anti-drone laws
What Really Happens When a Drone Collides With an Airplane? FAA and ASSURE Release Findings
Studies have abounded theorizing about the results of a direct drone hit to a passenger aircraft. Conclusions have estimated the threat level of a drone collision at anywhere from "minimal" to "catastrophic." Now the FAA has released the results of the study performed by the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE) and the official conclusion … [Read more...] about What Really Happens When a Drone Collides With an Airplane? FAA and ASSURE Release Findings
Drone Mitigation Firms Quick to Capitalize on Reported Collision With Black Hawk
The recent reports of a drone collision with two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters does seem legitimate - although previous "proven" reports of drone collisions have later proved false. In this case, two Black Hawks of the 82nd Airborn Division were struck by an object reported to be a drone at around 8pm at night - and flying at 500 feet, above the legal limit for recreational … [Read more...] about Drone Mitigation Firms Quick to Capitalize on Reported Collision With Black Hawk
Anti-Drone Bills Crash in California
The Electronic Freedom Foundation (EFF) is cheering the failure of two anti-drone bills before the California legislature this session. The two bills—A.B. 1820 and S.B. 868—were designed to curtail commercial drone activities and address safety concerns about "weaponized" drones. But A.B. 1820 was far too broad in scope, among it's many proposed restrictions to the use of … [Read more...] about Anti-Drone Bills Crash in California
Hempstead’s Anti-Drone Proposal: Possession = Guilt
Despite the FAA's best efforts to reign in local anti-drone laws, the ordinances proposed get crazier and crazier - like the latest from the town of Hempstead, NY. Hempstead is a populous town on Long Island - one that apparently does not like drones. In a new proposal for a "Drone Ban" the town seeks to eliminate drone use anywhere on in the town's public spaces. The … [Read more...] about Hempstead’s Anti-Drone Proposal: Possession = Guilt
