In this week’s column – flying under a public safety COA, the real boundaries of VLOS flight, and the issues of airworthiness and drones. The following is one of a biweekly serieson public safety drone issues by Steve Rhode, Chief Pilot with the Wake Forest Fire Department and the North Carolina Public Safety Drone Academy, and founder of Public Safety Flight, a … [Read more...] about The Drone Niche is in a State of Flux: Steve Rhode’s Public Safety Column
COA
Steve Rhode’s Public Safety Drone Column: COA (Certificate of Waiver or Authorization) Pitfalls
Is a Certificate of Authorization (COA) the right way for your public safety department to operate? Here, Steve Rhode discusses when and why it may be appropriate - or not - to operate under a COA. The following is one of a biweekly series on public safety drone issues by Steve Rhode, Chief Pilot with the Wake Forest Fire Department and the North Carolina Public Safety … [Read more...] about Steve Rhode’s Public Safety Drone Column: COA (Certificate of Waiver or Authorization) Pitfalls
Public Safety Drones: Do You Need a Part 107 or COA?
This interview is part of a larger piece developed by expert Joe Tally and published on Fire Cam's website - visit Fire Cam for more information on drone programs and equipment for emergency services departments, and see this earlier article with DRONELIFE for tips on getting started. Police and fire departments are adopting drone technology quickly, as communities realize … [Read more...] about Public Safety Drones: Do You Need a Part 107 or COA?
Menlo Park FD Blazes Through FAA Approval
A small California city has joined the growing ranks of American municipalities to add firefighting drones to their public-safety arsenal. The Menlo Park Fire Protection District recently obtained a Certificate of Authorization (COA) from the FAA. The approval will allow Menlo Park to deploy drones to scope out fire scenes and aid in search and rescue. In a press release, … [Read more...] about Menlo Park FD Blazes Through FAA Approval
FAA Doubles Blanket Altitude for Commercial Drones
The FAA announced today that they have raised the unmanned aircraft (UAS) “blanket” altitude authorization for Section 333 exemption holders and government aircraft operators, from the previous 200 ft to 400 feet. Saying that the move follows extensive risk evaluation, the new policy will allow small commercial drones to fly up to 400 feet, except in restricted … [Read more...] about FAA Doubles Blanket Altitude for Commercial Drones
