Category Archives: News
Enter the Drones: The FAA and UAVs in America
Schiffer Publishing has just published Enter the Drones: The FAA and UAVs in America, which is available now in the United States., and will become available soon in the UK. The book examines the FAA’s early experience and regulatory treatment of unmanned aircraft for civilian and commercial purposes in the United States. Continue reading
Clean Energy Fuel Cell Propulsion Systems for Civil UAS
Ballard Power Systems has announced that the company’s subsidiary, Protonex, received notification from the U.S. Department of Commerce that its family of fuel cell propulsion systems are now designated as EAR99 (Export Administration Regulations 99) compliant, creating a path for commercial export and deployment in a variety of civilian unmanned vehicle applications. Continue reading
Section 333 vs. Part 107: What Works for You?
The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) new small drone rule – formally known as Part 107 – is effective from today, August 29. You may also be wondering what happens to your Section 333 exemption grant or petition for exemption. The biggest question is whether you are better off flying under the provisions of Part 107, or should continue using your existing exemption? Continue reading
Applying for a Waiver under the New FAA Drone Rules
The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) new small drone rule effective August 29 – formally known as Part 107 – allows for some expanded operations based on technology mitigations if you can make the safety case for a waiver of some provisions. Operators can apply for waivers to operate at night, beyond line of sight, above 400 feet and other specific types of operation. Continue reading
Australian Army Seeks up to 200 Nano Drones

Black Hornet – Photo: Prox Dynamics
The Australian Army has put out its feelers to buy up to 200 tiny drones over the next two years so its combat teams can spy on the enemy, scan dangerous situations and navigate rough terrain. Continue reading
GA-ASI’s Flight Training Academy First Graduates
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. has announced that the company’s new Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Flight Training Academy graduated its first cadre of GA-ASI aircrews on August 12th. Continue reading
Domino’s Pizza Drone Delivery Service in New Zealand
Flirtey and Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Limited (Domino’s) announced they have partnered on the first commercial pizza-by-drone delivery model. The two companies exhibited the first stage of their partnership with a demonstration of pizza delivery by drone in Auckland, New Zealand on August 25th 2016. The successful demonstration was also attended by the Civil Aviation Authority and Minister of Transport Simon Bridges. Continue reading