The Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems (AAUS) and the Australian Certified UAV Operators (ACUO) have announced an exciting new chapter for the uncrewed systems industry in Australia, uniting under a single banner to better represent and advocate for the sector. Effective immediately, AAUS will serve as the peak body for the uncrewed systems industry, while […]
Regulatory Matters
Japan Standards Association Publishes Standards for Drone Services
The Japan Standards Association (JSA) has announced the issuance of a Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) for drone service providers to define the processes and requirements necessary to ensure a certain level of quality in the services they provide. The draft of this JIS was developed by the Fukushima Innovation Coast Framework Promotion Organization, which served […]
Digital Frone Flight Approval Service Now Live at UK’s Southampton Airport
Drone operators wanting to fly in the airspace around Southampton Airport can now benefit from a digital flight approval service, NATS Services has announced. From today, drone pilots wanting to fly in or through the Flight Restriction Zone around Southampton Airport will be able to request access online or via the Altitude Angel Drone Assist […]
NATS Services and Altitude Angel Launch Drone Flight Approval Service at Aberdeen International Airport
Drone operators can now more easily access the airspace around Aberdeen International Airport, thanks to a digital flight approval service unveiled by the air traffic management service, NATS Services. Drone pilots wanting to fly in or through the Flight Restriction Zone around the airport can now request access at the touch of a button. Operators […]
UK Aviation Regulator Publishes Roadmap for Routine BVLOS Drone Flights
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has published a roadmap for a future in which drones carry out tasks like transporting specialised chemotherapy drugs to hospitals, mail to remote locations and even carrying defibrillators to emergencies. The plan focuses on two critical milestones: demonstrating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) activities by the end of this […]
FAA Accepts Vantis for Safety Mitigation for Recurring BVLOS Operations
The Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS), a North Dakota state agency, announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has signed a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for the use of Vantis as a safety mitigation for beyond-visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone operations. In the United States, approval under an exemption provides for repeatability and can be […]
EASA Launches Public Consultation for Proposals on Drone Airworthiness and Certification
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has published Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) 2024-06 to consult aviation stakeholders and citizens on draft proposals for the initial and continuing airworthiness of certified unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). EASA proposes amendments to the existing acceptable means of compliance and guidance material (AMC & GM) to the UAS Regulations and […]
FAA Proposed $341,413 in Civil Penalties Against Drone Operators
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed $341,413 in civil penalties against 27 people who violated federal drone regulations. The FAA issued the fines between October 2022 and June 2024. Drone operators who conduct unsafe or unauthorized operations face fines up to $75,000 per violation, an increase included in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. The FAA […]
Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 Receives First Ever EASA Design Verification Report
The Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 received the first ever Design Verification Report (DVR) by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for a Rotary Wing Unmanned Air System (RWUAS). The Design Verification Report (DVR) for the specific category of UAS operations was issued after a rigorous evaluation process, including 300 EASA observed flight hours proving airworthiness, […]
Istari Digital Unveils X-Plane To Become World’s First Digitally-Certified Aircraft
Istari Digital has announced that a modification of the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works X-56A is on track to become the world’s first digitally-certified aircraft. Last year, the United States Air Force awarded Istari Digital a $19 million contract to pioneer this ambitious program, aptly named Flyer Øne in homage to the Wright Brothers. The goal? […]