The Bahamas Ministry of Transport and Aviation has reminded the public that regulations governing the operation of drones took effect from February 1st. Continue reading
Category Archives: Regulatory Matters
AUVSI provides Interactive Map of UAS Legislation
The Association for Unmanned Vehicles Systems International (AUVSI) has been tracking all active legislation pertaining to unmanned systems. This year, to provide the best information to its members, legislators, regulators and the media, AUVSI has organized data on all unmanned systems-related state legislation into a sortable, interactive map with details that include a summary of each bill. Continue reading
Near Miss 2,000ft Above UK Houses of Parliament
A drone came within a whisker of crashing into an airliner just 2,000ft above the Houses of Parliament, according to a new report. The unmanned craft was just 20m from the short haul jet, with up to 76 passengers aboard, as it passed down the left hand side.
Indian State Study Group to Chart UAS Roadmap
The Karnataka Knowledge Commission (KKC) in the Indian state of Karnataka is coming out with a strategy to utilise Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) technology in the sectors of town planning, crop and forest survey, pollution monitoring, civic operations among others, specific to the State. Continue reading
FAA Registers 300,000 Unmanned Aircraft Owners During First 30 Days
Nearly 300,000 owners have registered their small unmanned aircraft in the first 30 days after the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) online registration system went live. Owners who registered in the first month received a refund for the $5 application fee. Continue reading
Two LA Drone Pilots Face Fines and Prison
Two men charged with flying drones near an airport and hospital heliports in Los Angeles could be looking at fines and jail time. City Attorney Mike Feuer announced on January 20th that his office has filed two criminal cases against drone operators, the first under the City’s new ordinance restricting drone operation.
Who Owns/Controls the Airspace Below 500 feet AGL?
Before airplanes and drones existed, people owned everything above and below their land—according to the law, their rights extended “to the heavens and down to hell.” But modern aviation changed this definition in a big way. In the early 20th century Congress declared the air a public highway, which limited land rights so that people were not trespassing every time they flew. That public highway has generally been considered 500 feet and above.
California Prepares New Drone Laws
Two California lawmakers have introduced two separate bills this week that would further regulate drones in America’s most populous state. If passed, one of the new state laws would require “tiny physical or electronic license plates” and inexpensive insurance, among other requirements. A second bill would compel drone pilots who are involved in incidents that damage property or injure people to leave their contact information—similar to what drivers must do following auto accidents. Continue reading