The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) recently conducted an inspection of the Delaware Memorial Bridge Twin Span using an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) or drone. Keystone Aerial Surveys, Inc., based at Northeast Philadelphia Airport, in cooperation with WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff, utilized an Inspire Pro 1 and Maverik X8 to perform the inspection services for DRBA as a test of the technology. The test inspection flights occurred on the New Jersey side of the Bridge complex on Tuesday, April 5. Continue reading
Category Archives: Non-Military & Commercial UAS
Drone-Mounted NIR to Find out Where the Bodies Are
Near infrared (NIR) is an analytical technique used in a variety of applications, from drug tablet manufacturing to detecting counterfeit products. It can also tell you where the bodies are buried. Continue reading
Drones Wear Out Excitable Pooches
A rescue centre for dogs has a unique and rather ingenious way of exercising the ‘hyper’ animals in its care. Whitehall Dog Rescue in East Ardsley, West Yorkshire purchased a drone to be chased by its four-legged residents in a bid to wear them out before bed. Continue reading
FAA Reviews and Publishes Micro UAS Report
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently reviewing the report and recommendations of the Micro Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Aviation Rulemaking Committee. The agency had tasked the group to develop recommendations for performance-based regulations that would let certain unmanned aircraft operate over people not directly involved in the flight of the aircraft. Continue reading
UK Airport Operator Offers Drone Pilot Courses
NATS, the air navigation services specialist, which provides air traffic control services at 13 UK airports including Heathrow, Stansted, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow is now offering courses to users of drones.
Inside Australian Police Drone Experiment
In Australia, New South Wales Police’s special services group is tinkering with drone technology as it considers a force-wide capability of up to 100 machines controlled by 60 trained pilots.
Czech Primoco UAV Starts Serial Production
Czech commercial unmanned aircraft Primoco UAV, which was officially launched last year, made its first take-off under the serial number 001 and immatriculation OK-X013S on 26th March, 2016.
FAA Rule-making Committee Recommendations Leaked
The FAA’s Aviation Rulemaking Committee on Micro UAS is recommending standards that could clear the way for commercial drone flights over populated areas and help speed the introduction of package delivery drones and other uses not yet possible. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the recommendations, which were sent to the FAA late last week. The agency is not bound by the recommendations and can make changes when it writes final rules. Continue reading