FAA Deputy Administrator Michael Whitaker testified yesterday before the House Aviation Subcommittee about drone safety. After explaining the proliferation of small drones in airspace, Whitaker talked about the "No Drone Zone" and "Know Before You Fly" educational campaigns that the agency has launched in an effort to raise awareness of drone safety issues. Whitaker then … [Read more...] about FAA to Drone Operators: We Will Take Action
Drone Law
FAA Proposes $1.9 million Fine for Unauthorized Drone Use
The FAA announced the largest civil penalty to date proposed against a drone operator for violating airspace restrictions. The 1.9 million dollar proposed fine is aimed against SkyPan International, Inc. (SkyPan) of Chicago, provider of proprietary RPV "Remote Piloted Vehicles" for the production of high end aerial and panoramic photography. The FAA alleges that the company … [Read more...] about FAA Proposes $1.9 million Fine for Unauthorized Drone Use
CA Governor Vetoes Laws Against Drones
CA Governor Jerry Brown vetoed three proposed laws against drones on Saturday, citing prison overcrowding and the existing complexities of the criminal code as his reasons. The most publicized of the three laws would have prohibited non-commercial drones from flying over wildfires or other emergencies. The law would have imposed serious penalties, including fines of up to … [Read more...] about CA Governor Vetoes Laws Against Drones
FAA Misses Drone Regulation Deadline
The FAA has missed the September 30 deadline to institute nationwide drone regulations. "Our main, overriding goal is safety," said an FAA spokesperson, setting expectations that regulations will not be finalized until "late next spring," as the agency reviews more than 4,500 comments on the proposed rules. Congress asked the FAA to find a reasonable way to allow drones … [Read more...] about FAA Misses Drone Regulation Deadline
Drones Banned at Super Bowl 2016 Stadium
The city of Santa Clara has announced a new local ordinance which will prohibit drones over the Super Bowl, scheduled for February 7, 2016. The new law specifies a ½ mile “no-fly zone” over Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers; the Santa Clara University stadium; and “within or over any sporting and/or large venue special event.” The ordinance, which took effect on … [Read more...] about Drones Banned at Super Bowl 2016 Stadium