As federal regulators consider opening new radio frequencies to wireless services, Google is already eyeing the frequencies to deliver Internet access from the sky via drones and balloons. In a letter to the Federal Communications Commission Friday, Google said new bands could “be useful for offering broadband access via airborne platforms such as high-altitude balloons or unmanned aerial vehicles.” Continue reading
Category Archives: Regulatory Matters
Tourists in Kenya Warned not to Fly Drones
An Austrian tourist got nabbed recently at the Amboseli National Park, when he was flying a UAV, ostensibly to take pictures from an elevated location to include in his holiday picture and video album. Continue reading
Senators McCain, Flake and Ayotte Introduce UAS Improvement Act of 2015
U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) have introduced The Unmanned Aircraft System Improvement Act of 2015, legislation that would provide critical reform to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) mismanaged Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) programme.
South African UAS Regulations Move Forward
South Africa is set to have its new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) regulations approved in April as the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) moves forward with efforts to regulate UAVs flying in South African airspace. Continue reading
Warner Bros. Creates Hollywood First with Drone on ‘The Mentalist’
The weekend before Warner Bros. studios planned to make television history, the weather was not cooperating. In normally sunny California, there had been days of rain. Luckily, mother nature played ball. On December 15, 2014 the production team of “The Mentalist” was able to fly a drone on set for the first time in Motion Picture Association history. Continue reading
Retailer Releases Safety and Instruction Video Series
DSLRPros, Inc., responding to a recent safety campaign by industry officials and the FAA to advise drone operators how to fly their unmanned aircraft safely, announces the release of “Drone Academy X”, the first professional video series on drone education and safety. Drone Academy X releases on DSLRPros’ new digital platform, offering a new digital video platform for high-quality, prescreened educational products for the drone industry.
FAA Allows CNN to Test UAS for Reporting
CNN will explore the use of drones for reporting, after receiving special permission from the U.S. government. In the first programme of its kind, the FAA will allow CNN to test camera-equipped drones for news gathering and reporting purposes.
Pilots Report Hundreds of Drone Sightings to FAA
Pilots have reported hundreds of drone sightings in the United States, with some of them right here in Chicago, and they’re saying that it’s not safe. Especially at busy airports like O’Hare International Airport. Continue reading