UAV Operations - Podcast Details

Shows

The UAV DigestThe UAV Digest Relaunch: eVTOLs, Drones, and the Future of FlightEpisode 429 marks a major milestone for the podcast formerly known as The UAV Digest, soon to be relaunched as UAV News Talk. Max Flight and David Vanderhoof return to the mic after a long hiatus to introduce new co-host Max Trescott, known for his work on the Aviation News Talk podcast and expertise in both fixed-wing and helicopter flying. The episode opens with a nostalgic look back to 2013, when Max Flight and David launched the show to cover the then-emerging drone landscape without overwhelming their other podcast, Airplane Geeks. They describe how the show evolved as they...2025-05-2129 min

Uncrewed ViewsUncrewed Views: Drones as First Responders, Tariffs, New Business ApproachesFor our latest Uncrewed Views podcast, Scott Howe, Editorial Analyst for Commercial UAV News, is joined by Jeremiah Karpowicz, Editorial Director of Commercial UAV News, and Erin Sewall, Content Specialist for Commercial UAV News, for a wide-ranging discussion about the drone industry. The panel discusses: The FAA’s Streamlined Waiver Process for Drones as First Responder Programs How Tariffs May Impact the Drone Industry New Approaches to UAV Business Models And more! Sources: FAA Streamlines Drone Approval Process for First Responders How Can Drones and Real-Time Data Define Better Decisions During Emergency Response? Around th...2025-04-2939 min

Uncrewed ViewsUncrewed Views: A Talk with NUAIR’s Ken StewartFor this edition of our Uncrewed Views podcast, Commercial UAV News Editorial Analyst Scott Howe speaks with Jeremiah Karpowicz, Editorial Director of Commercial UAV News, and Ken Stewart, the President and Chief Executive Officer of NUAIR. The panel discusses accelerating the commercial viability and market demand for drone technology, what’s happening with Part 108, drones in disaster relief, the upcoming Commercial UAV Expo Europe, and more. Sources: NUAIR & SRAA Celebrate New Headquarters and Highlight CNY's Leadership in AAM and Drone Innovation CUAV Keynote Continued: Accelerating Commercial Viability and Market Demand 2024-11-0535 min

Uncrewed ViewsUncrewed Views: A Look Back at Commercial UAV Expo 2024For our latest Uncrewed Views podcast, Scott Howe, Carla Lauter, and Jeremiah Karpowicz from Commercial UAV News look back at this year’s Commercial UAV Expo. They discuss the current state of the drone industry, how the FAA has made progress on drone regulations, the new products and services on display at Commercial UAV Expo, and much more. Sources: Keynote: FAA Regulatory Updates and Insights on Running Successful Public & Enterprise Drone Programs Keynote Explores Drone Industry Collaboration, Regulations, and Commercial Opportunities Commercial UAV Expo: Uncrewed Aviation Policy Update Exhibitor Showcase Presentations Recap, Part 3 Exhibitor Showcase Presentations Reca...2024-10-0137 min

Uncrewed ViewsSpecial Edition: Drones in Ukraine For this special edition of our Uncrewed Views podcast, Scott Howe, Editorial Analyst for Commercial UAV News, speaks with Valerii Iakovenko, the co-founder of DroneUA and Futurology, about the Ukrainian drone industry. They discuss leading Ukrainian UAV companies, opportunities for investments and partnerships, and the Ukrainian Pavilion, which will be featured at the upcoming Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas. Sources: · Ukrainian Pavilion Announces First Participants for Commercial UAV Expo 2024!2024-08-0614 min

Uncrewed ViewsUncrewed Views: A Look Back at the Drone Industry in 2023For the final Uncrewed Views podcast of 2023, Jeremiah Karpowicz, Editorial Director for Commercial UAV News, and Commercial UAV News Editorial Analyst Scott Howe review the top stories of 2023. They discuss changes in regulations, advances in the drone delivery sector, propulsion innovations, including the use of hydrogen, professional opportunities and training, and more. Sources: · Commercial UAV Expo Keynote: The Confluence of Technology, People, and Regulations · Senate Confirms Mike Whitaker to Lead the FAA · Will 2023 Prove to be the Pivotal Year for Drone Delivery? · What’s Happening With Drone Delivery? · Exploring the oppo...2023-12-1937 min

Uncrewed ViewsUncrewed Views: A Talk with Rob Knochenhauer, Director of Regulatory Affairs at Censys TechnologiesFor this edition of Uncrewed Views, Scott Howe, Editorial Analyst for Commercial UAV News, spoke with Rob Knochenhauer, Director of Regulatory Affairs at Censys Technologies. Rob discussed his company’s recent achievement: a 30-mile, BVLOS operation flying Sentaero 5 over a cellular network in South Florida. He also offered his perspectives on the regulatory issues facing drone operations and previewed his presentation at next February’s Geo Week event, “Getting Off the Ground with UAV Survey.” Sources: Commercial UAV News: 30-Mile True BVLOS Flight – Scalable Operation for All Organizations with Sentaero 5 Geo Week: Getting Off the Gr...2023-12-0535 min

Uncrewed ViewsUncrewed Views: Partnerships and Acquisitions, Drone Delivery Around the World, Geo Week PreviewGeo Week News Content Manager Carla Lauter and Juan Plaza, Commercial UAV News Staff Writer and CEO of Plaza Aerospace, join Scott Howe, Editorial Analyst for Commercial UAV News, for the latest Uncrewed Views podcast. The panel discusses recent business news in the drone sector, including the uAvionix/Iris Automation deal, what’s happening with drone delivery in the US, South America, and beyond, and what to expect at next February’s Geo Week event. Sources: Commercial UAV News: uAvionix Acquires Iris Automation: An interview with Jon Damush Geo Week News: Skydio and Trim...2023-11-2135 min

Uncrewed ViewsUncrewed Views: New FAA Administrator, Drones in Law Enforcement, and MoreGeo Week News Content Manager Carla Lauter and Jeremiah Karpowicz, Editorial Director for Commercial UAV News, join Scott Howe, Editorial Analyst for Commercial UAV News, for the latest Uncrewed Views podcast. The panel discusses the impact the new FAA administrator could have on the UAV and AAM industries, how safety and privacy concerns influence the use of drones in law enforcement, the top drone companies in delivery and remote sensing, and more. Sources: Commercial UAV News: Senate Confirms Mike Whitaker to Lead the FAA ENO Center for Transportation: FAA Administrator Whitaker Confirmed, Sworn In The Drone...2023-11-0739 min

Uncrewed ViewsUncrewed Views: Commercial UAV Expo Preview, FAA Approvals, Industry NewsGeo Week News Content Manager Carla Lauter and Jeremiah Karpowicz, Editorial Director for Commercial UAV News, join Scott Howe, Editorial Analyst for Commercial UAV News, for the latest Uncrewed Views podcast. The panel previews Commercial UAV Expo 2023 and discusses Skydio’s recent decision to exit the consumer drone market, DJI’s delivery drone, recent FAA approvals, and more. Sources: Commercial UAV Expo 2023 · Conference Program · Keynotes · Exhibitor List The Verge: Skydio is pivoting to enterprise — its consumer drones are dead TechCrunch: Skydio closing consumer drone business 2023-09-0539 min

Uncrewed ViewsUncrewed Views: Special Edition Featuring Will Austin, President, Warren County Community College and Chief Pilot, Warren UASFor this special edition of Uncrewed Views, Scott Howe, Editorial Analyst for Commercial UAV News, spoke with Will Austin, President, Warren County Community College (WCCC), and Chief Pilot, Warren UAS. They discussed WCCC’s long history of training pilots and other drone industry professionals, the need for specialized education in the UAV sector, how WCCC collaborates with public and private entities on innovative projects, and much more. While you’re at Commercial UAV Expo, be sure to stop by Booth 348 to learn more about Warren UAS. Special thanks to Warren County Community College for sponsoring this...2023-08-2829 min

Uncrewed ViewsUncrewed Views: Powering Uncrewed Vehicles with Hydrogen, UAVs and Humanitarian Aid in Africa, AI, and MoreGeo Week News Content Manager Carla Lauter and Scott Howe, Editorial Analyst for Commercial UAV News, are joined by Daneille McLean, Founder and CEO of HYSKY Society, for the latest Uncrewed Views podcast. The panel looks at the opportunities presented by powering drones with hydrogen, the upcoming FLYING HY event, UAV-based medical aid delivery efforts in Kenya, artificial intelligence, and more. Sources: Commercial UAV News: Exploring the opportunities for hydrogen in the drone market with HYSKY Society Powering Solutions for Your Drone in 2022 Powering Solutions for Your Drone, Part 1: What's Out There? Why Should W...2023-08-2237 min

Uncrewed ViewsUncrewed Views: Defining the Airspace of Tomorrow, Remote ID, FAA Updates, and MoreToni Drummond from Titan Aviation joins Geo Week News Content Manager Carla Lauter and Scott Howe, Editorial Analyst for Commercial UAV News, for the latest Uncrewed Views podcast. The panel discusses the Advanced Airspace Summit, scheduled for this September’s Commercial UAV Expo, as well as the impact remote ID will have on commercial drone operations, recent FAA news, and more. Sources: Commercial UAV Expo: Advanced Airspace Summit, Part I / Advanced Airspace Summit, Part II JD Supra: FAA UAS Remote ID Rule and the Insurance Industry Data Use Case Dronelife: House Pa...2023-08-0838 min

Uncrewed ViewsUncrewed Views: The US Forest Service’s Drone Program, Sharks and UAVs, Swarming Technology, and MoreFor our latest podcast, Geo Week News Content Manager, Carla Lauter, and Scott Howe, Editorial Analyst for Commercial UAV News, are joined by Matt Isenbarger from Freefly Systems. The panel looks at the US Forest Service’s successful drone program, how New York State is using uncrewed systems to monitor shark activity, AI and swarming technology, and more. Sources: Commercial UAV News: Success and scale with drone programs: How the US Forest Service saves taxpayer dollars and reduces wildfire response risk Longmont Leader: Aims Community College offers associate degree for drone pilots 2023-07-2538 min

Uncrewed ViewsUncrewed Views: Drone Light Shows, UAVs and Firefighting, Robotics and the Titan Submersible, and moreFor our latest podcast, Geo Week News Content Manager, Carla Lauter, and Jeremiah Karpowicz, Editorial Director for Commercial UAV News, look at drone light shows, UAV training facilities, drones in firefighting, robotics and the Titan submersible rescue effort, and more. Hosted by Scott Howe, Editorial Analyst for Commercial UAV News. Sources: CNN: Some US cities are replacing 4th of July fireworks with environmentally friendly drones Chicago Tribune: Drones, metal detectors among precautions as Southland communities prep for July Fourth security CBS News: These cities are having drone shows instead...2023-07-1139 min

Uncrewed ViewsUncrewed Views: AAM and Air Taxis, Financial Health of the Drone Industry, Strategic Partnerships, and MoreGeo Week News Content Manager, Carla Lauter, and Jeremiah Karpowicz, Editorial Director for Commercial UAV News, join host Scott Howe, Editorial Analyst for Commercial UAV News, for the latest edition of the Uncrewed Views podcast. The panel discusses the financial health of the drone industry, the power of strategic partnerships, advances in AAM and air taxis, ways police departments use UAVs, and more. Sources: TechCrunch: Percepto flies high with $67M for its industrial drones Dronelife: Drone Industry Fragility: From the Floor of the Energy Drone and Robotics Summit UAS We...2023-06-2740 min

Uncrewed ViewsUncrewed Views: Artificial Intelligence, FAA News, Mine Mapping, Traffic Management, and MoreFor the latest edition of our Uncrewed Views podcast, host Scott Howe, Editorial Analyst for Commercial UAV News, speaks with Geo Week News Content Manager Carla Lauter and Jeremiah Karpowicz, Editorial Director for Commercial UAV News. The panel discusses recent reports on the use of artificial intelligence with drones, changes at the FAA, how autonomous systems are mapping abandoned mines, drones in traffic management, and the recently announced conference program for the 2023 Commercial UAV Expo. Sources: The Guardian: US air force denies running simulation in which AI drone ‘killed’ operator NBC News: Biden names deput...2023-06-1333 min

Uncrewed ViewsUncrewed Views: Cybersecurity and Airspace SafetyFor our edition of Uncrewed Views, host Scott Howe, Editorial Analyst for Commercial UAV News, speaks with Geo Week News Content Manager Carla Lauter and Jeremiah Karpowicz, Editorial Director for Commercial UAV News. The panel discusses cybersecurity in the drone industry, the threats posed by unauthorized drones, recent actions by the FAA and private industry to secure the airspace, and privacy and security issues in the geospatial sector. Sources: · Dronelife – AUVSI Xponential: The Keynote on Cybersecurity for Drones · Commercial UAV News – Cybersecurity takes center stage at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2023 · AV Web – FAA Announces UAS...2023-05-1630 min

Uncrewed ViewsOur New Podcast: Uncrewed ViewsTwice each month, Commercial UAV News’ new podcast, Uncrewed Views, will explore the latest advances and trends in uncrewed systems, advanced air mobility, and more. Industry leaders will offer their perspectives on news and information presented in articles, videos, podcasts, and other sources that cover drones and related technologies. For this first installment of Uncrewed Views, host Scott Howe, Editorial Analyst for Commercial UAV News, speaks with Geo Week News Content Manager Carla Lauter and Jeremiah Karpowicz, Editorial Director for Commercial UAV News about: The recent merger between PrescisonHawk and Field and what it means fo...2023-05-0236 min

The UAV DigestADS-B SpoofinguAvionix detects ADS-B spoofing, racing drones are delivering explosives, an aerial tanker that autonomously guides and controls multiple drones, self-flying F-16s that test loyal wingmen, the Condor heavy-lift UAV wins its first customer, a new mini light tactical UAS, and Archer Aviation and United Airlines plan air taxi service in Chicago. UAV News uAvionix Announces truSky ADS-B Spoofing Detection for SkyLine UAS BVLOS Operations uAvionix offers its SkyLine UAS BVLOS service to manage the command and control infrastructure and assets across diverse frequency and radio types. Now the company is introducing truSky ADS-B spoofing detection for...2023-03-3132 min

Uncrewed ViewsDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the AAM/UAV IndustryThe Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)/Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) sector has a unique opportunity to further diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Because the AAM/UAV industry is relatively new, companies and organizations can create workplace cultures, hiring and training programs, and community connections in ways that may be difficult in older, more established industries. To explore the issues around DEI in the AAM/UAV world, Commercial UAV News spoke with JR Hammond, Executive Director of the Canadian Advanced Air Mobility Consortium (CAAM). Hammond described the current state of DEI in AAM/UAV and explained how his...2023-02-0711 min

The UAV DigestUAV Tether in Heavy SeasUAV tether, advanced drones, building designs, Martian missions, Army short-range reconnaissance program, Apple patent, birds, Ukraine drones.2022-12-0938 min

The UAV DigestUAV Tether in Heavy SeasA UAV tether for choppy seas, four advanced (and expensive) drones, drones changing the way buildings are designed, a drone (and rover) for simulated Martian missions, the Army’s short-range reconnaissance program with Skydio, an Apple patent for pairing UAVs and controllers, kites that take down drones, Ukraine drones that take down Russian drones. UAV News Navy engineers test new slack tether for launching quadcopter from boats The Naval Information Warfare Center in San Diego designed a smart winch tether system with an autonomous winch that keeps proper slack in the tether. A UAV can hover at a...2022-12-0938 min

The UAV DigestAmazon Prime Air DroneThe latest Amazon Prime Air drone, XQ-58A Valkyrie tactical drones, bringing a drone on a cruise ship, a drone light show fail, and attacking a navy with uncrewed surface vessels. UAV News Amazon Prime Air drone Amazon reveals the new design for Prime Air’s delivery drone—here’s your first look Amazon has continued to develop its delivery drone. The new MK30 drone has increased range, expanded temperature tolerance, and the capability to fly in light rain. It’s lighter and smaller than its predecessor and has redesigned propellers with 25% less perceived noise. Air Force pi...2022-11-2534 min

The UAV DigestOperations Over PeopleOperations Over People approval for AgEagle, transitioning to UAV-dominated air forces, women drone pilots in Ukraine, an autonomous Black Hawk helicopter, a drone facilitates a robbery, a BVLOS corridor in upstate New York, an autonomous firefighting helicopter, 500 drones celebrate a game anniversary, and how to increase lithium battery lifespan. UAV News AgEagle’s eBee X Series Drones Are the First and Only UAVs to be Approved by the FAA for Operations Over People (OOP) in the United States AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. announced that the eBee X series of UAS comply with Category 3 of the Operations Over Pe...2022-11-1133 min

The UAV DigestWomen and Drones DocumentaryA women and drones documentary film, a Chinese submarine that can fly, the “ghost fleet” of unmanned surface vessels, transferring drone technology to India, a portable air traffic management system for wildfires, Ford’s drone patent, and increased mapping speed using multiple drones. UAV News Women and Drones Documentary Filming Onsite at Commercial UAV Expo Women and Drones and Monumental Access are creating a multi-part documentary with stories of women in the drone industry. They hope to inspire the next generation of aviation leaders through interviews with educators, CEOs, and industry professionals. The Commercial UAV Expo runs Septem...2022-08-1931 min

The UAV DigestTerrafugia Commaris UAVCommaris VTOL UAV for commercial operations, hazmat responders, QF-16 target drones, endangered porpoises, US Navy repels drones, AT&T COWs, India drone rules.2021-09-1030 min

The UAV DigestUAV Battery TechnologyAirbus funds new UAV battery technology and flys rotary wing UAV, upcoming UAS Traffic Management workshop, hydrogen-powered UAV for the Navy, a heavy-payload long-range drone, drone racing at Daytona, mosquitoes might help drones make less noise.2019-11-1531 min

The UAV DigestHigh Altitude Pseudo SatelliteHAPSMobile plans to fly a High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) over Hawaii, Amazon petitions for drone delivery exemptions, NASA plans to test UAS traffic management in Texas, researchers find that drones are better than people studying whales, a female drone pilot seeks to encourage women, and drones that provide medical assistance. UAV News FAA Approves Solar Drone Flights Over Hawaiian Island Japanese drone company HAPSMobile has a waiver to fly a solar-powered UAV over Lanai. The HAWK30 will act as a stratospheric telecommunications platform - a High Altitude Platform Station, also called a High Altitude Pseudo Satellite. The project is...2019-08-1633 min

The UAV Digest274 A Nano-UAV for the ArmyA FLIR Systems acquisition and a nano-UAV contract, proposed drone rules for Australia, testing UAS in the wind, a market forecast for drones, and Amazon tests UTM.2019-02-0131 min

The UAV DigestUAV223 UAV Traffic Management in New ZealandAirways and AirMap partner on a three-month trial of a UAV traffic management (UTM) platform, NTSB final report on drone collision with a helicopter, Singapore tests drone strikes on test dummies, and recreational drone registration is signed into law.2017-12-1527 min

The UAV DigestUAV171 UAS Flights Over Unsheltered PeopleRulemaking for sUAS flights over people moves forward, fuel cell-powered UAVs, a drone detection system, a Predator for humanitarian relief, drones flying in formation, and autonomous aircraft collaboration. Hywing long endurance fixed-wing UAV demonstrator, courtesy H3 Dynamics News Big News: Proposed Small UAS Rule for Flights Over People at White House for Review Hogan Lovells reports that the FAA sent to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) the proposed rulemaking for the operation of sUAS over unsheltered people not directly participating in the operation. OIRA reviews draft regulations before they are implemented and any member of...2016-11-1828 min

The UAV DigestUAV165 The Tesla Concept DroneInternational agreement on armed UAS import/export, quadcopter power by induction, California allows first responders to take out drones, a droneport concept, drones interrupting airport operations, an underwater UAV launch, and a very different concept for an aerial video platform. News White House Rolls Out Armed Drone Declaration The U.S. State Department calls it the first step toward creating global norms for the import and export of armed unmanned systems. More than 40 countries have agreed to the one-page Joint Declaration for the Export and Subsequent Use of Armed or Strike-Enabled Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). [PDF] Drone Flies 12 CM on...2016-10-0735 min

The UAV DigestUAV162 A Call for Harmonized EU Drone RulesManned aviation associations want drone safety rules across the EU, Israeli Air Force changes UAV training system strategy, a Lockheed Martin and the Warsaw University partnership, observations from the Commercial UAV Show Asia, Mercedes and Matternet partner on package delivery, and Huerta delivers InterDrone keynote. News EU aviation groups want all drones to be registered Ten manned aviation associations issued a Joint call to safely integrate Drones / UAS into Europe’s Airspace [PDF]. They believe the safety risks associated recreational drones are underestimated and they want harmonized rules across the EU. The groups are calling for: Extensive public awareness campaign Re...2016-09-0933 min

The UAV DigestUAV139 Too Many Drone Parts and Not Enough Drone PilotsAn online “junk yard” for UAVs and components, the drone pilot shortage, a UAS detect and avoid display project, UAV airspace integration in the UK, the US Senate version of FAA reauthorization, egg drop drones, LiPo batteries, and the CRACUNS submersible drone. News This Online ‘Drone Junk Yard’ Lets UAV Owners Swap and Exchange Parts UK Drone builder Andrew Spaxman founded Drone Junk Yard in January 2015 as a place where enthusiasts could buy, swap, and sell unwanted UAV parts. Starting with a closed, country-specific Facebook group for the UK, Spaxman has expanded to groups for the United States, the EU, Canada...2016-03-2533 min

The UAV DigestUAV131 Democratized TechnologyThe CEO of Skyward tells us about software and services for commercial UAS operations. Also, DJI and Lufthansa do a drone deal, open source vs. open architecture autopilots, and taking FPV drone racing to the next level. Guest Jonathan Evans is the CEO of Skyward, a provider of professional services and software in the form of airspace maps and integrated flight planning tools for commercial UAV operators. Jonathan was a professional pilot for 18 years with over 3,000 hours of flight time. He holds an airline transport pilot (ATP) license and commercial and flight instructor ratings in airplanes and helicopters. Jonathan began...2016-01-2938 min

The UAV DigestUAV130 UAS Research and DevelopmentOpen source UAV software, safety with a soccer ball sized drone, a drone landing on a moving vehicle, combining rotors and wings for overall efficiency, the FAA blocks sUAS registration site outside the U.S., and UAS rules for public safety organizations. News Dronecode Project Advances Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Commercial Applications In its first year, the Dronecode Project has formed three technical working groups and grown to include 50 members. This collaborative effort brings open source UAV projects together under a non-profit structure governed by The Linux Foundation. Board chairman Chris Anderson says, “By bringing efforts together to establish a co...2016-01-2231 min

The UAV DigestUAV129 Drone Defense SystemsAnti-drone systems and shooting down drones, more legislation from California, the authority to control the airspace, the FAA clamps down on R/C and drone clubs in Washington, D.C., formation flying, drones in television and film, stealth UAVs, and the B4UFLY app. And now, for something completely different… Instead of recording this episode over Skype for an audio program, we tried a bit of an experiment and recorded a video show live on Blab.im with an audience participating. Blab is a service where you schedule a video show on the topic of your choice. Up to four pe...2016-01-1551 min

The UAV DigestUAV122 Realtime Flight Restriction Data Coming to UAVsDJI and 3D Robotics bring real-time airspace restrictions to UAV software, a UAV flagship store is planned to open, ArcadiaSky opens a marketplace for commercial UAV operators, FAA gives a UAV registration warning, and another municipality regulates drone flights. News DJI Introduces New GeoFencing System For Its Drones DJI plans to introduce a dynamic geofencing system that continuously provides updated airspace information to the operator. Data comes from Geospatial Environment Online (GEO). Drone operators will see temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) in real time, including forest fires, major stadium events, VIP travel, and restrictions around prisons, power plants, and other restricted...2015-11-2027 min

The UAV DigestUAV119 Drone Video SystemsGuest Kevin Kelly describes how Stampede is including UAV products and services in its portfolio so resellers can then offer complete drone video systems to business customers. Guest Kevin Kelly is President and COO of Stampede Presentation Products, a large, value-added distributor of professional audio-visual (ProAV) products. They represent more than 150 technology manufacturers through a network of over 12,000 resellers. Kevin introduced the ProAV industry to the business-building potential of unmanned aerial vehicles and drone-based video systems. He explains that moving video to the UAV platform is still within the ProAV arena, and it represents another channel to the market. By...2015-10-3034 min

The UAV DigestUAV108 Drone Sightings by Manned Aircraft Pilots on the RiseReports of unmanned aircraft sightings by pilots on the rise, FPV racing gets a financial boost, Google tests package delivery, proliferation of rogue drones, and knocking down drones with light, sound, and shotguns. News Pilot Reports of Close Calls With Drones Soar in 2015 According to the FAA, pilots reported 238 unmanned aircraft sightings in 2014. Through August 9, 2015, more that 650 sightings had been reported at altitudes of up to 10,000 feet. The FAA is doing four things: The FAA is working with industry partners through the “Know Before You Fly” campaign to educate unmanned aircraft users about where they can operate within the rules. The...2015-08-1434 min

The UAV DigestUAV105 Guns on DronesA weaponized quadcopter, shooting down drones, legislation that would permit disabling drones, and nine ways to not be an idiot. Guest Max Trescott joins the conversation. Max is a GA pilot, a certified flight instructor, aviation author, a glass cockpit expert, and a budding drone pilot. News Handgun-firing drone appears legal in video, but FAA, police probe further Father Says 'Flying Gun' Drone Video Broke No Laws About that handgun-firing drone Viral Video Of Gun-Firing Drone Renews Interest In Legal Restrictions An 18-year old Connecticut student mounted a handgun on a drone and made a video of the gun firing...2015-07-3131 min

The UAV DigestUAV101 Wildlife Conservation UAV ChallengeThe optionally piloted Centaur flies at a UAS test site, a NASA-led team tests a sense and avoid system, more bad drone behavior, and an interview with the founder of the Kashmir World Foundation. News Remote-controlled passenger flights 5 years away, CEO says An Aurora Flight Sciences Centaur was flown over the New York UAS test site from Griffiss International Airport. The Centaur is an Optionally Piloted Aircraft (OPA) based on the Diamond DA42 twin engine airplane. It becomes the first large-scale fixed wing unmanned aircraft to fly at an FAA-approved test site. Aurora CEO John Langford believes that unmanned aircraft...2015-07-0339 min

The UAV DigestUAV100 Looking Back and Looking AheadWe look back at the first 100 episodes, and ahead to the next 100. We also talk with Curator Roger Connor from the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum. The First 100 Episodes The UAV Digest was started as a spinoff of the Airplane Geeks podcast, with Episode #1 published on August 16, 2013. David and Max wanted to explore the exploding unmanned aircraft industry and communicate the positive uses for “drones.” Early conversation topics included the desire of many to begin commercial operations in areas such as real estate, precision agriculture, search and rescue, disasters and humanitarian relief, package delivery, and many more. The slow regula...2015-06-2633 min

The UAV DigestUAV094 The Amazon Patent for Package Delivery by DroneAmazon patents package delivery by drone, using drones to plant trees, a new Israeli UAV company, another manned aircraft maker goes unmanned, and the Arctic becomes a no drone zone. News Here are Amazon's plans for delivery drones Amazon Technologies, Inc. of Seattle, Washington was awarded Patent 20150120094 on April 30, 2015. The patent “...describes an unmanned aerial vehicle ("UAV") configured to autonomously deliver items of inventory to various destinations. The UAV may receive inventory information and a destination location and autonomously retrieve the inventory from a location within a materials handling facility, compute a route from the materials handling facility to a de...2015-05-1526 min

The UAV DigestUAV091 Here Come the LawyersLaw firms step up to UAVs, DARPA enlists Northrop Grumman and AeroVironment for TERN, the MQ-4C Triton UAS gets new search radar, the X-47B refuels autonomously, agricultural applications for UAVs, an anti-drone drone, detecting drones by sound, and the FAA clarifies policy for drone online videos. News US firms rush to set up drone departments Michael Drobac is executive director of the Small UAV Coalition, but also the senior policy advisor at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld. He says, “'Almost every firm has a drone practice. I’m not sure every firm has a drone client.” 273 Drone Aircraft Carrie...2015-04-2439 min

The UAV DigestUAV084 Talk to the DroneNPRM update, a drone at a baseball spring training camp, researching the effects of drones on birds, rooftop inspections by UAVs, the Piaggio P.1HH HammerHead prototype maiden flight, Europeans work to harmonize UAV guidelines, and drones that communicate with ATC by voice. FAA sUAS NPRM The Operation and Certification of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems NPRM was released February 15, 2015 and published in the Federal Register February 23, 2015, starting the 60 day clock for public comments. Comments must be received by April 25, 2015. Use the shortcut theUAVdigest.com/nprm to visit the regulations.gov webpage which provides links to the NPRM document and the...2015-03-0632 min

The UAV DigestUAV080 UAV Tracking and AvoidanceA new tracking and avoidance system, drones that assist firefighters, a Phantom firmware rollback, drone waiters that bring your meal, a personal No Fly Zone, shooting down those pesky drones, Qualcomm buys KMel Robotics, and California seeks to regulate drones below 400 feet. News PrecisionHawk Announces UAV Tracking and Avoidance System PrecisionHawk released an automated traffic control system for UAVs said to aid with the integration of UAVs into the National Airspace (NAS). The “Low Altitude Tracking and Avoidance System” (LATAS) uses global cellular networks on speeds as low as 2G. to provide real-time flight planning, tracking and avoidance for UAVs. LATA...2015-02-1336 min

The UAV DigestUAV077 UAS Pilot TrainingUAV training in Canada and Britain, a government hearing on UAS research and development, no date from FAA on the sUAS NPRM, a UAS communications study, and drugs on a drone. News 1st Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) instruction designed specifically to meet Transport Canada's new requirements Aerobotika Aerial Intelligence and Pacific Rim Aviation Academy have partnered to offer a UAV pilot training academy. The 2-day ground school course will cover the new Transport Canada Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Unmanned Air Vehicle Systems for UAVs under 25 kg, operating within visual line of sight. The curriculum includes standard pilot training, technical...2015-01-2331 min

The UAV DigestUAV074 Did you get a Drone for Christmas?No sUAS NPRM, “Know Before You Fly” safety campaign, it may be OK to say “drone” now, UAS America Fund proposes rules, drone privacy legislation, ICAO looks at integrating RPAS into the air space, an embarrassing UAS test center first flight, and the MQ-8C Fire Scout takes flight. News No Firm Date For UAV Rules As FAA, Industry Launch Safety Campaign At 2014 year-end, we don’t have an sUAS NPRM from the FAA, but we do have many new quadcopter owners after the holiday gift-giving season. The Know Before You Fly education campaign was founded by the Association for Unmanned V...2015-01-0135 min

The UAV DigestUAV073 FAA says Go, NYC says NOThe FAA issues more exemptions, the NPRM might affect hobbyists, NYC looks at banning drones, agriculture eager to get started, Fort Bliss is building a drone port, and drone videos for the holidays. News FAA Grants Five More Commercial UAS Exemptions The FAA granted five regulatory exemptions for unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations to four companies under Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. The four companies that received exemptions want to fly UAS to perform operations for aerial surveying, construction site monitoring, and oil rig flare stack inspections. The FAA determined that the UAS in the proposed...2014-12-1931 min

The UAV DigestUAV070 Preview of the FAA sUAS NPRMSneak peak at the FAA sUAS regulations, NZ drone regs, bioengineered drones, busting poachers, the threat to airliners, first amendment issues, and GoPro to enter the UAV market. News Drone Flights Face FAA Hit The Wall Street Journal reports that "people familiar with the rule-making process" are talking about what we can expect in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) from the FAA for sUAS. The expectation is that the FAA will: Lump all sUAS under 55 pounds under the same regulations Require sUAS operators to have a manned-flight pilots license Limit flying to daytime hours, below 400 feet, line of sight. ...2014-11-2831 min

The UAV DigestUAV068 A UAV EntrepreneurOpportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs looking to develop a commercial UAV business. This Episode The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle industry is in its infancy and presents many business opportunities to entrepreneurs. Some opportunities are obvious, like agriculture, real estate, emergency response, and package delivery. Others have not yet been imagined. In this episode, we look at issues for UAV startups, with someone who is immersed in that process. Guest Don Toporowski is an advisor to clients of both the MaRS Discovery District, Canada’s largest centre for innovation and business acceleration, and with startups coming out of the Queen’s Innovation Conn...2014-11-1433 min

The UAV DigestUAV064 Drones In the Water and Out of the AirAn amphibian RPA, India bans drones, open source code for drones, area terrain mapping, DARPA’s ship-based MALE UAV concept, a new UAV market study, and more on logbooks for drone pilots. News The Flyox Amphib UAV enters market Singular Aircraft has released the Flyox I, an amphibian RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) that can take off and land on water, as well as on unpaved runways and snow. Flyox I is a high wing aircraft with a 14 meter wingspan, a 2000 kg payload, and is powered by two 340 HP engines. It can automatically take-off and land, and can be programed with pr...2014-10-1732 min

The UAV DigestUAV063 A New UAV Coalition is LaunchedThe Small UAV Coalition launches, law enforcement using drones, UAVs showcased, a spat over the MQ-9 Reaper, GNSS developments, and logbooks for UAV pilots. News Small UAV Coalition formed to promote civil and commercial use of small UAVs Eight companies have formally launched the Small UAV Coalition to facilitate the entry of small UAVs in the United States and abroad. The Coalition intends to advocate for commercial, consumer, recreational, and philanthropic use of UAVs by removing “unnecessary policy or regulatory hurdles that impede small UAV development, sales, job creation, and services.” Founding members of the Small UAV Coalition are: 3DR, Aeria...2014-10-1030 min

The UAV DigestUAV060 Searching for the MissingFAA grants an emergency COA, Reno is not just for manned aircraft anymore, Chinese inflatable UAVs, more UAS regulations, and more bad behavior with drones. News Drones Get Waiver to Search for Missing Texas Woman Christina Morris The FAA granted an Emergency COA to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of Gaithersburg, MD in order to utilize an Unmanned Aircraft System in the search for a woman missing in Texas. Under the Emergency COA, NIST was able to operate an unmanned aircraft through contractor Texas EquuSearch, a non-profit organization that assists with locating missing individuals. The FAA issues...2014-09-1934 min

The UAV DigestUAV059 Sense and AvoidSense and Avoid by NASA and General Atomics, South African rules by 2015, Amazon’s drone page, package delivery by Flirtey and Google, and cease and desist letters from the FAA. Guest Maj. Gen. Charles Frank Bolden, Jr., (USMC-Ret.), the NASA Administrator since July, 2009. In this clip from a longer interview recorded for the Airplane Geeks podcast, Charlie talks about NASA’s activity to develop autonomous flight technologies with the UAS test sites, focusing on sense and avoid. NASA is looking at low altitude sUAS air traffic control, and they are finalizing an agreement with Google on sense and avoid technology for...2014-09-1234 min

The UAV DigestUAV058 Making and Breaking UAV LawsFAA sued over drone restrictions, UAV arrests and confiscations, privacy legislation in California, UCLASS delay, NASA developing ATC for drones, Disney seeks UAS patents. News Lawsuits Assert Broad Economic and Scientific Impact of FAA's Drone Restrictions Three lawsuits have been filed by attorney Brenden Schulman (@dronelaws) over the FAA’s Interpretation of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft. These were filed on behalf of: 1. The Academy of Model Aeronautics and its 170,000 members The “no commercial operation” prohibition means no model aircraft public demonstrations or model aircraft training when some payment is involved, as well as competition prizes, and product reviews conduc...2014-09-0534 min

The UAV DigestUAV056 When is an Aircraft not an Aircraft?The FAA definition of an aircraft, drones and agriculture, UAV privacy issues, FAA solicits a UAS Center of Excellence, Amazon Prime Air, X-47B milestone, drone legislation, and a successful UAV company despite regulatory uncertainty. News FAA Thinks Two Pound Drones Aircraft. But 1100 Pound, Manned and Flying Craft? Unsure. The FAA’s June interpretive rule treats model airplanes as aircraft. But what about other devices that fly - like the Flying Hovercraft that Hammacher Schlemmer sells for $190,000? Are those aircraft too? With integrated wings and a 130-hp gasoline engine driving a 60" wood/carbon composite thrust propeller, this hovercraft manufactured by Uni...2014-08-2233 min

The UAV DigestUAV053 Drones on FilmAerial photography in real estate, autonomous lighting for photographs, nano drones for situational awareness, a new UAV market size study, video selfies by quadcopter, a U.S. “no drone zone” map, taking aerial video of wildfires, and university professors speak to the FAA. The News NRT bans drone photography in northeastern US Attorneys for NRT LLC, a large real estate brokerage, sent letters to the presidents of 200 offices telling them not to use drone photography until the FAA issues regulations. Not all real estate professionals are keen to shut down use of drones. Drone lighting: Autonomous vehicles could automatically assume the...2014-08-0132 min

The UAV DigestUAV050 Manufacturing Drones with a 3D Printer3D drone printers, continuously airborne UAVs, hacking drones, flying UAS over airports and sports events, a petition to the FAA, and mapping mud a landslide with a hexacopter. The News BAE Systems Unveils Concepts of On-Board Aircraft 3D Printers Able to Print Incredible UAVs During a Mission The BAE Systems 25-year outlook includes technology for “on demand” UAV production, from inside an aircraft! In a possible scenario, the larger aircraft approaches an unknown situation, like a military conflict or a SAR event. It then manufactures a cloud of surveillance drones that go out, gather data, and return to the mother ship...2014-07-1131 min

The UAV DigestUAV049 UAV Privacy, Subpoenas, and RegulationsUAVs taking off in China, aerial video and privacy, a map showing UAS regs by State, FAA subpoenas realtors, FAA might not make their 2015 deadline, and drone poetry. The News Drone Hobbyists Taking off in China Twenty-three-year old Jin Xing is representative of the enthusiasm for UAVs that is growing in China. He's created the Butterfly Aerial Photography Workshop, a business he operates from his home. Jin and his partner take aerial photographs for client companies using six helicopters. Aerial Photo Company Gets Cops Called on Them After Drone Startles Naked Woman Portland, Oregon firm Skyris Imaging was out taking p...2014-07-0433 min

The UAV DigestUAV048 Evan Ulrich and his RoboSeed UAVWhile at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Become a Pilot Day, David and Max were fortunate to have a conversation with Dr. Evan Ulrich about his "RoboSeed," a monocopter UAV. We talked with Evan about the design, how it works, the control method, and future applications. Open up his RoboSeed website or visit the RoboSeed YouTube channel, have a look, then listen to this episode.2014-07-0125 min

The UAV DigestUAV045 Wide World of UAV SportsThe third FAA test site goes live, UAV’s to compete at Reno Air Races, drones spying at the World Cup, watching swim competition through the eyes of a quadcopter, hockey fans celebrate their victory by smashing a quadcopter, TV coverage of American football by drone, and mixing manned and unmanned flights in Japan. The News FAA: Nevada unmanned aircraft systems test site goes live UAS test site number three of six is now operational. The FAA granted the State of Nevada team a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) to operate an Insitu ScanEagle at the Department of Energy ai...2014-06-2032 min

The UAV DigestUAV040 A Multicopter First FlightDavid flys a multicopter, an Iranian RQ-170 clone, Embry-Riddle creates an unmanned masters program, Italy looks to build a UAV school, a US Airways flight encounters a UAV, Northrop Grumman and Yamaha team up, and Parrot has a new FPV drone. David's First Flight Parker Gyokeres from Propellerheads Aerial Photography gives David the opportunity to fly a hexacopter, an AGL Hobbies UAP2-V2 with a Sony NEX camera on a 6-axis gyroscopic gimbal and a Naza-M.V2 controller. The video. The News: Iranian Version of RQ-170 Drone Unveiled The Iranian IRGC Aerospace Force claims to have reverse engineered the captured...2014-05-1632 min

The UAV DigestUAV038 Lockheed Martin Builds sUASLockheed Martin gets into sUAS, Texas EquuSearch files suit, drones for weather forecasting and wildlife protection, a fixed wing VTOL drone, an Optionally Manned UH-60, a North Carolina UAS law, drone journalism goes indoors, and an unmanned R&D forecast. The News: Lockheed Martin Marks Significant Milestone in Research & Development for Unmanned Technologies Lockheed Martin is advancing their push into the sUAS segment with their Indago VTOL Quad Rotor for mobile surveillance. The quad and accompanying handheld ground control station (GCS) and new Commercial Avionics Suite are intended for both Commercial and Military applications. The 32 inch diameter Indago is man-packable...2014-05-0228 min

The UAV DigestUAV033 Sharing the SkyA near miss between a UAV and a crop duster, a new social network for the multi-rotor community, UAVs that survey cemeteries, no beer delivery by drone in the UK, and a red hot video of the week. The News: Victorian mine drone in near miss with aircraft The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has issued a final report that says that a Sensefly eBee 178 UAV came within about 100m horizontally and up to 70m vertically from an Ayres S2R crop duster. The ATSB rated this incident, which occurred in September, 2013, as serious. The eBee was flying a four-hour...2014-03-2828 min

The UAV DigestUAV029 Delivering the Internet via UAVFacebook buys a drone company, having enough communications and data bandwidth, an international UAV test consortium announced, UAV training at Roswell, busting FAA myths about UAVs, FAA authority to regulate UAS questioned, privacy questions flare down under, and Russia building Israeli UAVs. Breaking news: Commercial Drones Are Completely Legal, a Federal Judge Ruled The News: Facebook Follows Amazon, Google Into Drones With $60 Million Purchase Facebook is reportedly purchasing Titan Aerospace for $60 Million. Titan Aerospace makes high altitude solar-powered UAV’s that they refer to as persistent solar atmospheric satellites.™ Facebook is a partner in Internet.org, along with Samsung, Ericsson, Medi...2014-03-0729 min

The UAV DigestUAV028 The Size of the UAV MarketThe size of the global UAV market, more on the FAA losing the drone war, a device that tries to warn you about drones overhead, ignorant politicians passing drone laws, a military UAV providing cargo lift, police use a quadcopter in a murder investigation, and other police shut down a journalist. The News: Small UAV Market Worth $582.2 Million by 2019 MarketsandMarkets published Small UAV Market Global Forecast, 2014 - 2019 that projects the small UAV market will grow to $582.2 million over a six year time period. This represents a global compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.7 percent. FAA risks losing drone war sUAS...2014-02-2827 min

The UAV DigestUAV027 Policing UAS UseA DJI Phantom watches baseball spring training, FAA policing UAS usage, Canada wants to buy drones, so does the Russian military, and Korea seeks to be a UAS supplier. The News: Nationals using aerial drone to record footage of spring training The Washington Nationals baseball team is observing spring training through the eyes of a GoPro mounted on a DJI Phantom. They say they’ll also use aerial footage on the scoreboard for games. Runaway Drones Map Land, Film 'Wolf,' Knock Down People, as FAA Gives Chase The FAA takes a dim view of UAVs and has notified many op...2014-02-2130 min

The UAV DigestUAV024 – UAV Licensing and Permitting ProposalA proposal for licensing and permitting small UAV operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection grounds their fleet, quadcopters filming whales, and drinking and droning don't mix. Proposal for UAV/sUAV Licensing/Phased Permitting Plan Listener Tim Trott submitted a proposal for a collection of UAV classes, each with requirements for airframe type (multi-copter or fixed wing), weight, altitude, operation in private or public areas, VLOS or FPV, logging, observer requirements, safety and flight testing, insurance, and collision avoidance capability: Class E - Experimental/Photographic Under 5 pounds, VLOS only, under 100 feet above terrain, private property only (no public areas). No...2014-01-3129 min

The UAV DigestUAV018 UAV Engines, Servos, Parachutes, and BobThis Episode: Guest Bob Schmidt is President, UAV Propulsion Tech, a U.S. technical sales rep firm that markets German and Australian technology into the U.S. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle market. We talk about A Mexico Mayor buying drones, the secret RQ-180, a sub-launched stealth, and drones that heal themselves. UAV Propulsion Tech solutions include consumer off the shelf (COTs) and custom propulsion and servo solutions, as well as rescue/recovery parachute solutions that protect high value air vehicle and payload assets. Companies represented are: Orbital Australia and Hirth Motors for propulsion systems, Volz Servos for actuators and Skygraphics for rescu...2013-12-1331 min

The UAV DigestUAV016 From Jellyfish to Global HawkThis Episode: UAS applications in Alaska, an autonomous drone with a robotic arm, a European "drone club" is formed, Turkey eyes the European drone market, a middle-eastern drone company gets some traction, a small UAV that thinks it’s a jellyfish, the Global Hawk achieves a milestone, and journalists flock to UAVs. The News: UAV industry takes off in Alaska With its remote areas accessible only by air, Alaska is a ripe environment for UAVs: remote sensing, airborne surveillance, wildlife management, sea ice study, and many others. Alaska hopes to become one of the FAA test sites. Helicopter drones level up...2013-11-2931 min

The UAV DigestUAV015 Going Fishing for Hammerheads and UAVsThis Episode: UAV market growth in the Middle East, Piaggio’s Hammerhead, China sends a UAV toward Japan, autonomous drones in Peru, foam drones, and more UAV crashes, including one fished out of the sea. The News: As UAV Market in Middle East Grows, US May Look to Draw Back Driven by border protection concerns, UAV growth in The Middle East is projected to grow to $3.8 billion over the next decade, with that region accounting for 8 percent of the world market. MALE Performance Enhancement: Piaggio’s P.1HH Hammerhead UAV We spoke previously of the P.1HH Hammerhead based on the...2013-11-2228 min

The UAV DigestUAV011 The You In UAV DigestThis Episode: The "drone" word, a Cathedral view by quadcopter, Australia's CASA regs on UAS, Trappy in trouble, a UAV Challenge, a must-see video of autonomous flying, and bad uses of UAVs, all from the listener mailbag. The News: We Are Not Drones Pilots: sensor operators put human element in RPA operations Capt. Blain, a 29th Attack Squadron MQ-9 Reaper instructor pilot assigned to Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, cringes at the term "drone" because it implies no human piloting. He prefers "remotely piloted" because there is a pilot, a sensor operator, tactical intelligence, and a ground commander involved. ...2013-10-2529 min

The UAV DigestUAV007 Drone UAV DroneThis Episode: A visual drone census map, who should develop privacy laws that govern drones, the Hydra proposal for drones at sea, surveying Australia with sUAS, and unmanned F-16 target drones. The News: Drone U. Releases US Drone Census Drone University, an online educational platform, has created a U.S. Drone Census map showing the “complex ecosystem of users, industry, legislation, and research.” You filter the points on the map by selecting categories from a dropdown, like DIY Drone Groups, Academic Programs, and FAA test Site Applicants. Should states determine if drones can record your conversations? U.S. courts have held...2013-09-2727 min

The UAV DigestUAV006 Spy on the ChickenPUMA AE beach launch. Courtesy AeroVironment, Inc. This Episode: The Reaper is turned into a Jammer, drones are spying on chickens in Australia, FAA rules for small UAS's delayed again, UAV privacy questions remain, a new UAS Test Center in the UK, monitoring wildlife with a PUMA and the weather with a Global Hawk, FEMA shuts down Colorado UAV flights, and more multi-rotor's come down in crowds. The News: Jamming Pod Demonstrated on MQ-9 Reaper UAV General Atomics has fitted a Northrop Grumman jamming pod to an MQ-9 Reaper. The test flight occurred back in April during a U.S...2013-09-2029 min

The UAV DigestUAV 005 Drones are a Grass Roots EffortThis Episode: Optionally piloted helicopters, fast response from the FAA to drone requests, a forecast of the global UAV market, success tips for UAV suppliers, and water sampling drones. The News: Polish SW-4 Solo to Assist Royal Navy Rotary-Wing UAS (RWUAS) Study The SW-4 SOLO RUAS (Rotorcraft Unmanned Aerial System) is being introduced by PZL-Świdnik, and Agusta-Westland based on the PZL SW-4 light single engine helicopter. This Optionally Piloted Helicopter (OPH) is under the RWUAS (Rotary Wing Unmanned Air System) Capability Concept Demonstrator (CCD) programme as a conceptual multi-role UAV for the UK Royal Navy. Others have activity in t...2013-09-1329 min

The UAV DigestUAV 004 Goosebusting by HexacopterThis Episode: Using a hexacopter for wildlife management, airline pilots are concerned about UAVs, a copter goes into a crowd, wildfire fighting with a Predator, a sea-faring drone, building a ground station, and a Chinese attack UAV under development. The News: Canada plans to use hexacopter drones in war against geese An Ottawa beach has been plagued by geese despite attempts to scare them off with trained dogs, loud noises, and other means. Along comes Steve Wambolt, the owner of Aerial Perspective, with a Flame Wheel 550 hexacopter and an idea, and he’s successfully used the craft to drive most of...2013-09-0628 min

The UAV DigestUAV 003 Hurricanes, Fires, and Drones! Oh My!A quadcopter that is also a plane, chasing storms (and other things) with disposable UAV's, using UAV's in place of satellites, and a tiny town that wants to pay you to shoot down drones. The News: Whaddaya get when you cross a quadcopter with a plane? The HQ UAV For take-offs, landings and hovering, the Latitude Engineering HQ utilizes four horizontally-mounted propellers – just like a regular quadcopter. These are each driven by an individual electric motor, all four of which receive their power from two 5-cell 11,000 milliamp-hour lithium-polymer battery packs. Cheap, Disposable Drones Are the New Storm Chasers Some environments ar...2013-08-3023 min

The UAV DigestUAV 002 Sense and AvoidGuest Jamie Dodson is Foreign Intelligence Officer, and Senior Technology Protection Engineer for the US Army Aviation & Missile Command. He has over 30 years of experience in Intelligence Operations for the US Military, having served with Special Operations, Army Aviation, Airborne Infantry, and Military Police. He is also author of the award winning Nick Grant Adventures series. Find him on Facebook. The News: ‘Sense and Avoid’ Technology Evaluated in Weeklong Flight Tests Unmanned aircraft have to know how to avoid other aircraft, but especially other unmanned aircraft. To test Sense and Avoid software developed by the MITRE Corp., the University of North...2013-08-2428 min

The UAV DigestUAV 001 The D WordThe word "drone" has a negative connotation to some. What does it mean and can perception be changed? This week's event: Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Unmanned Systems 2013 Conference Aug 12 - 15, 2013 in Washington, DC AUVSI is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the unmanned systems and robotics community. They have 7,500 members from government organizations, industry and academia. AUVSI members support defense, civil and commercial sectors. The News: DON’T SAY ‘DRONES,’ Beg Drone Makers To the public, “drone” has a bad connotation: military, death, etc. Can the industry change the word and change perception? Florida Keys turns to UAVs to tak...2013-08-1727 min