In light of the increasing popularity of recreational drones, the U.S. Forest Service has released specific guidelines for recreational unmanned aircraft use over public lands: Continue reading
Category Archives: Regulatory Matters
Spain Contributes to SESAR JU Programme of RPAS Integration into Civil Airspace
The lack of harmonized regulatory framework and the difficulties in the safe integration of RPAS in non-segregated airspace, are hindering the development of these systems, reducing therefore the scope of their applications. In order to acquire expertise on the main topics of this integration, the SESAR JU launched in 2013 a call for demonstration activities and the project DEMORPAS was one out of nine selected.
FAA Updates DC-Area Unmanned Aircraft Procedures
The Federal Aviation Administration has updated its conditions for flying unmanned aircraft in the area between 15 and 30 miles from Washington, D.C. to clarify differences for various types of unmanned aircraft. As of 12:01 a.m. EST, Wednesday, February 10, the operating procedures will allow model aircraft, commercial and public users to operate in the outer ring of the Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) under specific conditions. Continue reading
Transport Canada to Introduce New UAV Guidelines
Transport Canada is preparing to introduce new guidelines for the operation of unmanned air vehicles similar to those being proposed in Europe. Continue reading
FAA Reauthorization Act – UAS Provisions
Members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Aviation Subcommittee announced the introduction of the Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization (AIRR) Act (H.R. 4441). The AIRR Act is a six-year reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). While the proposed reforms to air traffic control garnered the most attention in the media, the AIRR Act also addressed efforts to integrate civil unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS). Continue reading
EASA Recommendations for UAS Airspace Integration
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a technical opinion on the future of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the skies over the European Union (EU), dividing them into three classes, and issuing 27 recommendations for their safe operation in EU airspace. Continue reading
Invitation to Review NATO UAS Airworthiness Requirements
The US Government has issued an Invitation to the Unmanned Aircraft Industry for Review and Comment Period on Edition 1 of NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4703 Light Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Airworthiness Requirements. Continue reading
Trinidad Clamps Down on Drones
The Trinidad Ministry of National Security is clamping down on the use of aerial drones being operated by people to record personal and public events. Continue reading