The Yamaha RMAX unmanned helicopter has become the first drone to be certified for flight in New Zealand under Part 102 of the Civil Aviation Rules.
Category Archives: Regulatory Matters
Pilot Reports of Unmanned Aircraft Rise in 2015
Pilot reports of unmanned aircraft have increased dramatically over the past year, from a total of 238 sightings in all of 2014, to more than 650 by August 9 of this year. The FAA wants to send out a clear message that operating drones around airplanes and helicopters is dangerous and illegal. Unauthorized operators may be subject to stiff fines and criminal charges, including possible jail time. Continue reading
FAA OKs Night Flights at Grand Forks UAS Test Site
The Federal Aviation Administration has given aircraft operating in conjunction with the state’s Northern Plains Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site permission to fly at night. Continue reading
ERA Calls for More European UAV Regulation
UK-headquartered trade body the European Regions Airlines Association (ERA) claims that air passengers are being put at risk by the growing use of unmanned air vehicles, and has called for more regulation and control over their use. Continue reading
China Announces Controls on Drone Exports
China’s Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs has jointly issued a notice about strengthening controls on partial exports of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) starting Aug. 15, triggering concerns over UAV producers led by DJI of Shenzhen, reports the Shanghai-based China Business News. Continue reading
Japan UAS Association Issues Safe Use Guidelines
The first-ever safety guidelines for the unmanned aerial systems in the country, compiled by the Japan UAS Industrial Development Association, stipulate where and how to fly the aircraft. They also call on users to obtain the operator’s license to be introduced voluntarily by the association, get damage insurance coverage, and file reports with authorities if accidents happen. The guidelines were announced at a symposium held in Tokyo on Tuesday. Continue reading
Lockheed Martin Tech for UAS UTM System
Lockheed Martin has deployed the first components of an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) system aimed to improve situational awareness to UAS operators and pilots as unmanned aircraft begin to enter airspace. Continue reading
FAA Passes 1,000 UAS Section 333 Exemptions
In its continuing effort to safely expand and support commercial unmanned aircraft operations in U.S. airspace, the Federal Aviation Administration has now granted more than 1,000 Section 333 exemption approvals. As of today, the agency has issued 1,008 such exemptions. Continue reading