Workshop Kick Starts SESAR 2020 Civil RPAS R&D Definition Phase

SESAR logo

It is well understood that Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) have great potential for civil application, however, in order for Europe to take advantages of these benefits, civil RPAS Research and Development (R&D) activities must be undertaken in full alignment with ongoing ATM R&D activities and meet existing requirements for manned aviation – as described in the Roadmap for the integration of civil RPAS into the European Aviation System– particularly within the context of the European Single European Sky (SES) initiative. Continue reading

UAS Could Limit Fertilizer Flow into Lake Erie


A toxic algae bloom in Lake Erie this summer left the city of Toledo, Ohio, without drinking water for three days. Now environmentalists and farmers are working to prevent future blooms by evaluating fertilizer use in hopes of cutting excess runoff. In the aftermath of the water quality emergency that plagued Lake Erie last month, some residents who live along its shores are calling for solutions.  And they are looking outward, to the countryside.

Continue reading

City of Cape Town to Test UAS

Last week, JP Smith, the City of Cape Town’s Mayco Member for Safety and Security, said in a meeting with the police that the City aims to test drones within the next two months. He said that different departments within the City – Metro Police, Disaster Management, Fire and Rescue and Engineering departments – have had to spend money on hiring helicopters for aerial surveillance. The acquisition of a drone (for around R600 000) could be more cost-effective. Continue reading