Image

Rebecca Wilson

Scaling a Drone Business: Hints from a North Dakota Start-Up

Rebecca Wilson on July 12, 2016

Matt Dunlevy has a vision for his company, SkySkopes, and it seems to be working. Though they opened their doors in late 2014 – less than two years ago – SkySkopes, based in North Dakota’s northern Red River Valley, already [Read More]

FAA’s Final Drone Rule: Did the Agency Get It Right?

Betsy Lillian on June 24, 2016

There’s finally a set of rules under which to operate UAS commercially, but the work toward full integration into airspace is not complete by any means.

The Wait Is Over: Here Are Your Final Drone Rules

Betsy Lillian on June 21, 2016

The FAA’s long-awaited rules governing the commercial use of drones have finally been revealed and will go into effect later this summer.

Start-Up Adds New Spin to a Drone’s Motor – Literally

Betsy Lillian on May 31, 2016

By redesigning a standard electric motor, CR Flight is looking to boost an unmanned system’s flight performance across several key areas.

How to Bring in Customers to Your Newly Launched Drone Business

Erin Olsen on May 24, 2016

According to Skyward, navigating the changing regulatory landscape and marketing the business are two of the biggest challenges.

Federal Court Throws out EPIC’s Suit Against FAA on Drone Privacy Rules

Betsy Lillian on May 12, 2016

The court contends that EPIC cannot challenge the FAA’s lack of privacy rules for drones until the final rules have been released.

A Closer Look at the Brand-New Drone Manufacturers Alliance

Betsy Lillian on April 14, 2016

Comprising DJI, 3DR, Parrot and GoPro, the D.C.-based group is all about “advocacy and education” for small unmanned aircraft systems.

Lawmakers Fight Against Federal Preemption for Local Drone Rules

Betsy Lillian on April 12, 2016

A bill from California Sen. Dianne Feinstein opposes an amendment to the FAA reauthorization act and aims to ensure that “states and local governments retain significant authority to protect their communities.”

Flying Drones Over People: Industry’s Recommended Plan of Action

Betsy Lillian on April 07, 2016

The Federal Aviation Administration has released to the public what its multidisciplinary aviation rulemaking committee came up with last month.

DOT Hit With Lawsuit Over Lack of Records from Drone Registration Meetings

Betsy Lillian on April 05, 2016

The Electronic Privacy Information Center has filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit that claims the DOT has not provided requested records of November’s closed-door task force meetings.

The Bridge Between UAS Privacy Concerns and Technology Innovation

Betsy Lillian on March 10, 2016

At a Senate hearing on drones, a witness pointed out that the need to alleviate privacy issues is actually accelerating technology advancements.

Micro UAS Classification Joins the Proposed FAA Reauthorization

Betsy Lillian on February 11, 2016

With the green light from the U.S. House of Representatives’ committee on transportation and infrastructure, a micro unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) classification has now been added to the proposed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill – the Aviation Innovation, Reform, [Read More]

Newly FAA-Approved ‘America’s Team’ Touts Drones Over Skycam

Betsy Lillian on January 21, 2016

With its own commercial drone exemption for filming during practice, the Dallas Cowboys want to encourage other sports teams to legally get in on the act, too.

A 2015 Résumé of America’s Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Industry

Betsy Lillian on January 07, 2016

No, we didn’t achieve full unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) integration into national airspace in 2015; no, we didn’t get the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) final rulemaking for commercial operations. However, the U.S.’ commercial and civil UAS space was undoubtedly sprinkled [Read More]

Will Drone Registration Plus Better Enforcement Equal Fewer Bad Eggs?

Betsy Lillian on December 17, 2015

According to a Connecticut senator, mandatory UAS registration is a step in the right direction, but the FAA needs to make sure more reckless operators face the consequences of their actions.

Unmanned & Manned Aviation Industries Weigh in on Registration Rulemaking

Betsy Lillian on December 15, 2015

Stakeholders from both parties have expressed concerns with the agency’s imposing a $5.00 fee for UAS registrants.

What’s Been Brewing at Amazon Prime Air?

Betsy Lillian on December 01, 2015

An octocopter holding a yellow package ready for doorstep delivery has been the face of Amazon’s drone-delivery concept for the past two years. Now, the company has revealed a different type of unmanned aircraft in the works.

Drone Registration Rules: The Task Force’s Proposition

Betsy Lillian on November 23, 2015

The group’s recommended process – free and Web-based, among other things – is aimed to be “minimally burdensome to consumers and professionals,” according to DJI.

What Can Alleviate Drone Privacy Concerns?

Betsy Lillian on November 19, 2015

During a panel at the Drone World Expo in San Jose, industry stakeholders came together to answer the question, “Emerging state privacy legislation: solution or quagmire?”

The NFL’s Tennessee Titans Green-Lighted to Fly Drones

Betsy Lillian on November 10, 2015

In a first for commercial drone exemptions in the U.S., the video director of the football organization will use the DJI Phantom 3 to record video of team practices in Nashville.