The FAA has released its proposed rule on the use of small remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). In an unusual Sunday morning press conference, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta released the details of the proposed rule, which affects RPAs that weigh less than 55 pounds and are flown for non-recreational purposes. Under […]
FAA
FAA expands RPA airspace in North Dakota
The FAA has expanded the airspace for remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) in North Dakota. Two Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COAs) awarded to the Northern Plains UAS Test Site “greatly expand” the airspace available for research flights to most of northeastern North Dakota, according to FAA officials. FAA officials add that they soon expect to […]
FAA grants eight more RPA exemptions
The FAA has granted eight more regulatory exemptions for commercial use of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operations, bringing the total number of exemption grants to 24. The agency has issued new exemptions to Total Safety U.S. Inc. for flare stack inspections, to LikeonaTree Aerial for aerial photography and surveys, and to Team 5, Shotover Camera Systems, Helinet […]
RPA and football don’t mix, FAA warns
The FAA has issued a warning to operators of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA): Don’t even think about flying over the Super Bowl this Sunday to get your own view of the action.The agency notes that the Super Bowl is strictly a “No Drone Zone.” The FAA bars unauthorized aircraft — including RPAs — from flying over or near NFL […]
FAA requests pilot feedback on LED lighting at airports
The FAA is surveying pilots with experience with Light Emitting Diode (LED) airport/heliport lighting during approach, landing, ground movement and takeoff phases of flight. According to a report on the National Business Aviation Association website, the FAA held a symposium last fall regarding LED lamps and their application on airports. FAA officials made technical presentations on […]
FAA asks law enforcement for help in policing RPAs
The proliferation of small, relatively inexpensive remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) has created a challenge for the FAA, which is why the agency has asked the law enforcement community to help identify people who don’t follow the rules of the air or who endanger the nation’s airspace. On Jan. 8, the FAA released some guidance to the law […]
FAA deputy administrator new pilot
FAA Deputy Administrator Michael Whitaker, who is responsible for helping to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the National Airspace System, recently took his private pilot checkride — and told officials with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association that he “felt the pressure,” noting it “wouldn’t be acceptable” not to pass. In a blog […]
Pilots appointed to House Transportation Committee
Two more pilots are joining the powerful U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee when the 114th Congress convenes in January. The Committee and its Aviation Subcommittee will play a vital role in setting long-term spending priorities for the FAA during the 2015 Reauthorization process. Rep. Todd Rokita, (R-Ind.), is among the 12 new committee […]
FAA grants five more commercial RPA exemptions
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The FAA has granted five regulatory exemptions for remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) to four companies. The four companies that received exemptions want to fly RPAs — known as Unmanned Aerial Systems by the FAA — to perform operations for aerial surveying, construction site monitoring and oil rig flare stack inspections. “Unmanned aircraft offer […]