A Michigan county’s attempt to ban drone flights in its public parks crashed and burned last week after a judge ruled the ordinance flew in the face of state law. Flint-area circuit court Judge Joseph Farah granted an injunction to prohibit enforcement of the ban as part of a lawsuit filed last year by the Michigan Coalition of Drone Operators. In 2018, police handcuffed, … [Read more...] about Judge Strikes Down Michigan County’s Drone Ban
Michigan
Nailed It: Autonomous Roofing Drone Takes Off
A matter of weeks ago, the FAA issued a reminder to pilots that weaponizing drones is a bad idea and definitely against the law. The statement seemed to be in response to an enterprising company in Ohio deciding that a flying flamethrower drone was both fun and practical. In news that isn't totally unrelated, University of Michigan engineers have published a paper and … [Read more...] about Nailed It: Autonomous Roofing Drone Takes Off
State Transportation Departments Turning to Drones to Cut Costs, Improve Safety
As the FAA continues its never-ending struggle to publish a final rule for regulating drone flights in the U.S., states' Departments of Transportation are finding value in drones at every turn. An American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) study published last month found that 17 state Departments of Transportation had either used or tested … [Read more...] about State Transportation Departments Turning to Drones to Cut Costs, Improve Safety
Drones Banned at Michigan Capitol
(Source: lansingstatejournal.com) A new policy prohibits drones from flying over the Capitol grounds in downtown Lansing, but statehouse officials want to toughen the ban through legislation. The Michigan State Capitol Commission voted unanimously Monday morning to ban drones from flying over the 136-year-old statehouse, "except under special circumstances," with … [Read more...] about Drones Banned at Michigan Capitol
Consumers Energy Debuts New Drone Tech to Monitor Utility Lines
(Source: mlive.com) Drones aren't just for military use any longer. Consumers Energy launched an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Cement City, Michigan to inspect utility poles and help determine whether the emerging technology can improve customer service, utility reps said Monday, June 22. The remote controlled UAV can transport a 14-pound payload and can be used … [Read more...] about Consumers Energy Debuts New Drone Tech to Monitor Utility Lines
