(Source: The Guardian) Google has been quietly testing its drone delivery program in US airspace and is planning further tests in rural California after striking a deal with Nasa, the Guardian has learned. Documents seen by the Guardian also reveal technical details of Google’s drone, which is capable of speeds of up to 100 mph and weighs less than 25kg (55lb). The … [Read more...] about Google is Quietly Testing Delivery Drones With Help From NASA
COA
UAV Group Offering Section 333 Legal Package
Even though the FAA has streamlined the process of approving drones for commercial use, obtaining a Section 333 exemption requires detailed knowledge of the regulatory steps necessary. Such a need raises the sometimes expensive specter of hired legal guns. The UAV Systems Association (UAVSA), a commercial drone membership group, hopes to make the streamlining process, well, … [Read more...] about UAV Group Offering Section 333 Legal Package
Drone Inspection Firm Sky-Futures Grabs Latest FAA Exemption
Sky-Futures, a Texas-based company is now one of a select group of UAV companies to be granted an FAA exemption to do business using commercial UAVs. The federal agency on Monday issued a Section 333 Exemption to Sky-Futures, a drone-inspection company that serves the oil and gas industry. Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act “provides operators who wish … [Read more...] about Drone Inspection Firm Sky-Futures Grabs Latest FAA Exemption
FAA Approves Four Companies to Fly Commercial Drones
(Source: USA Today) Four companies won approval Wednesday to fly commercial drones to conduct aerial surveys, monitor construction sites and inspect oil flare stacks, the Federal Aviation Administration announced. The exemptions for Trimble Navigation Limited, VDOS Global, Clayco, Inc. and Woolpert, Inc. come as the FAA drafts comprehensive regulations for drones to … [Read more...] about FAA Approves Four Companies to Fly Commercial Drones
MAAP Partner Receives FAA Clearance To Fly Above 400 Feet
In a somewhat shocking development for those familiar with FAA’s bone-headed hardline policy on commercial drone operations in the National Air Space, Aerosonde, a small UAS manufacturer owned by Textron Systems Unmanned Systems and affiliated with the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP), has received an FAA COA to conduct sUAS research in the NAS. The FAA has agreed to … [Read more...] about MAAP Partner Receives FAA Clearance To Fly Above 400 Feet