UAV roundup July 2016: The latest in unmanned aerial vehicle news
In this edition of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) roundup, we touch on the much-anticipated small UAS rule from the FAA, a new drone mapping app, drone best practices, and a 3D printed UAS.
FAA releases small UAS rule
After waiting more than a year, the Federation Aviation Administration has finally released its small UAS rule.
"With this new rule, we are taking a careful and deliberate approach that balances the need to deploy this new technology with the FAA’s mission to protect public safety," says FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. "But this is just our first step. We’re already working on additional rules that will expand the range of operations."
The rule will take effect in late August 60 days after it is posted to the Federal Register.
The new rule, legally referred to as Part 107, calls for a ceiling of 400 feet, instead of the draft 500 feet, and the minimum age for the remote pilot in command would be 16 instead of the previous 17.
Brian Wynne, AUVSI President and CEO, commented on the rule.
"Today’s release of the final small UAS rule by the FAA is a critical milestone in the integration process and a long-awaited victory for American businesses and innovators. It establishes a clear regulatory framework and helps to reduce many barriers to civil and commercial operations, allowing anyone who follows the rules to fly in the national airspace," says Brian Wynne, president and CEO of AUVSI, in a statement.
Drone mapping app released
Skycatch, a company specializing in commercial drone data software, partnered with DJI to launch Commander (pictured) an iOS commercial drone mapping app that automates data capture with DJI’s latest drones, turning them into “professional mapping tools.”
Skycatch built the app using DJI’s open software development kit.
"The goal of DJI’s SDK has always been to facilitate the creation of a robust ecosystem of apps, such as Commander," says Darren Liccardo, DJI vice president of engineering, systems and applications. "Professionals know best what the use case is for our aerial platforms in their specific verticals sectors. Skycatch’s developers have made optimal use of our open APIs with their innovative mapping and modeling application."
Drone best practices released by NTIA
The National Telecommunications & Information Administration released a list of voluntary privacy best practices for commercial and non-commercial drone users, as a direct result that drones could encroach upon individual privacy.
The guidance was developed in collaboration with drone organizations and companies such as Amazon and Google’s parent Alphabet, and recommends that drone operators who collect personal data should have a privacy policy that explains what personally-identifiable information they will collect, for what purpose the data is collected, and if it will be shared with others, including in response to requests from law enforcement agencies.
AUVSI President and CEO Brian Wynne commented on the guidance.
"AUVSI is proud to have participated in the NTIA process, which brought together stakeholders across the UAS industry and civil liberties organizations," he said. "This collaborative effort resulted in best practices that will help facilitate the safe and responsible use of UAS, while also ensuring that the UAS industry continues to grow and thrive."
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James Carroll
Former VSD Editor James Carroll joined the team 2013. Carroll covered machine vision and imaging from numerous angles, including application stories, industry news, market updates, and new products. In addition to writing and editing articles, Carroll managed the Innovators Awards program and webcasts.