Drone News Update Pilot Institute

Welcome to your weekly UAS news update, we have four stories for you this week: NDAA Markup, Commercial UAV Workshops, WingtraCloud, and two new courses from Pilot Institute!

Now is the time to make our voices heard in the US Senate.
The Senate Armed Services Committee is considering its version of the National Defense Authorization Act.
The House’s NDAA bill includes the Countering CCP Drones Act, which would ban DJI Drones. 
It’s also important to ensure the Drones for First Responders Act or the Countering CCP Drones Act isn’t included in the bill’s language.
As a reminder, the Countering CCP Drones Act plans to ban Chinese drones by revoking to preventing new FCC approvals, which would affect EVERYONE, including public safety agencies.
The DFR Act would ban Chinese drones in 5 years after creating an incremental tariff, which would affect everyone, including public safety agencies that would lose financial aid after 5 years and have to pay for expensive drones without subsidies.
The Senate will vote on their version of the act next week, between June 11th and June 13th, so the time to act is NOW. 
Please visit the DAA’s website to contact your senator! 

https://droneadvocacyalliance.com/

Next up, Commercial UAV Expo is around the corner!
I’ll be on a panel with Desiree Ekstein, Jared, Janacek, Vic Moss, Kenji Sugahara, and Amy T Wiegand discussing Regulations and Compliance, BVLOS, Airspace Management, Remote I, Operations Over People and Vehicles, and more. 
The talk is on Tuesday, September 3rd from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM and I hope to see you there! 

https://www.expouav.com/session/now-beyond-2024-essentials-for-every-drone-pilot/

Last up, Wingtra released WingtraCLOUD this week! 
WingtraCLOUD is a new software solution for flight planning, site-based file organization, 3D Planning, and coordinate systems. 
The primary goal of the new software is to streamline surveyors' workflows and enable more data capture. 
It doesn’t look like WingtraCLOUD currently integrates an image processing system but integrations are available according to Wingtra’s website. 
We’ll keep you updated if we see more! 

https://wingtra.com/wingtracloud/

Lastly, two new courses: LiDAR and Search and Rescue.

Have a great week, and we’ll see you on Monday for the Live!

Welcome to your weekly UAS news update, we have 3 stories for you this week: Anzu Raptor passes security checks, NV Mosquito busting drone, and SkyeBrowse’s new partnership with RSET.

First, Anzu Robotics has successfully completed White Knight Lab’s penetration test.
Penetration testing of the Anzu Raptor included static and dynamic traffic analysis, Data transmission security, and removal of references to Chinese domains.
These tests reinforce that the Raptor is a secure platform, and that all of the drone’s data remains on US-based Aloft Servers.

https://dronexl.co/2024/05/28/anzu-raptor-security-penetration-test/

Next up, Nevada is using drones to combat mosquitos.
The operation will dispense a granular product in remote areas where mosquitos are prevalent to target the mosquito larvae.
The un-named product is traditionally dropped via helicopter away from residential areas, businesses, and buildings.
There’s no word on the particular drone that will be used for this mission, only that it measures 9 feet by 9 feet and can carry 100lbs of the anti-mosquito payload.
We’ll keep you updated if we see more interesting uses of drones!

https://dronexl.co/2024/05/29/mosquito-busting-drone-northern-nevada/

Last up, SkyeBrowse has partnered with RSET.
If you are unfamiliar, RSET uses virtual reality to assist in training public safety and military customers.
RSET will now accept Skyebrowse models for Disaster response training, Active shooter drills, and firefighting exercises.
This is a pretty awesome use of 3D models!

https://dronexl.co/2024/05/29/skyebrowse-rset-3d-training-simulations/

Have a great week, and we’ll see you on Monday for the Live!

Welcome to your weekly UAS news update, we have 3 stories for you this week: Drones for First Responders Act Introduced, Drone Pilots Can’t Map in NC, and DJI Air 4 Rumors.

https://droneadvocacyalliance.com



First up, a follow up on the misleadingly named Drone For First Responder act from Congresswoman Elise Stefanik from New York.
As we mentioned last news update, the bill introduced last week would increase taxes on drones imported from China by 5% per year, up to 50% + $100. This means pricing recreational pilots out of the hobby. And pretty much ending the ability for FPV pilots to build their own drones... Why? Let's see.
If a cheap toy drone costs $130 today, it will cost 50% more in 4 years, plus $100. So you'll pay $300. The alternative? A US drone that doesn't exist from a company that we don't know about, because no American manufacturers are currently building this kind of drone.
A Mavic 3 Pro that costs $2200 today would cost $3400 in 4 years. Of course until a year later where you wouldn't be able to buy it because it will be banned from import.

In 5 years, the bill would BAN drones that contain a Flight Controller, Radio, Data Transmission Device, Camera, Gimbal, software, network connectivity hardware, or data storage manufactured in China.
This would effectively ban all DJI, Autel but also EXO, Holy Stone, Ruko, EMAX, BetaFPV, and more premade drones.
So what about the FPV pilots that I mentioned before? Well, drones that utilize systems manufactured in China, such as Team Black Sheep, T Motor, iFlight, and even Spektrum would also be banned. 
It gets better, and of course I'm sarcastic. Funds from these new tariffs would be used to fund First Responders purchasing new drones. 60% of the funds collected would go to first responders, 20% to farmers and 20% to critical infrastructure pilots. But in 5 years, all the funds end. Meaning first responders, farmers and critical infrastructure pilots will be left on their own to buy drones that have been over-inflated, without any grants.
This would decimate the entire hobby. Many thought the FAA was interested in killing the hobby. They were never interested in that but it certainly seems like Stefanik's office is, along with the supporter of the bill, including AUVSI.
We’ve included a link to the DAA, where you can reach out to your representative and let them know this is not okay.

https://dspalliance.org/the-u-s-drone-industry-is-under-attack-again/
https://droneadvocacyalliance.com/

Next up, an appeals court said that the North Carolina Surveyors Board didn’t violate a drone pilot’s rights by telling them to stop advertising and offering aerial mapping services. 
If you haven’t heard of this story, A drone pilot in NC received a cease and desist letter from the state’s surveying board for engaging in “ mapping, surveying and photogrammetry; stating accuracy; providing location and dimension data; and producing orthomosaic maps, quantities, and topographic information.”.
The current court decision effectively bans mapping in NC for those who aren’t a surveyor. 
Michael Jones of 360 Virtual Drone Services plans to further appeal the decision. 
Let us know what you think about this in the comments.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/drone-pilot-cant-offer-mapping-215413201.html

Finally, we have some DJI Air 4 Rumors.
Leaked images show possible Air 4 batteries and rumors include some specs.
Specs include 1” sensors, Mechanical shutters, Variable Aperture, two cameras, and O4.
Interestingly the leaks seems to suggest the drone may come with the ability to map, which would likely cater to entry-level drone pilots looking to get their feet wet without spending $3500 on a Mavic 3 Enterprise. 
We’ll have to wait and see if these rumors are true!

https://dronexl.co/2024/05/18/dji-air-4-rumors-what-we-know-so-far/

Have a great week, remember, no Live on Monday this week.

Welcome to your weekly UAS news update, we have 3 stories for you this week: FAA Reauthorization, DJI Mini 4K, and Robinson Helicopters purchased Ascent AeroSystems.
First up, congress appears close to FAA reauthorization.

The reauthorization is over 1,000 pages, with topics including BVLOS drone operations, fine increases for consumer violations, legislation over near collisions, quality control for large aircraft manufacturers, and FAA staffing.

Congress now will need to vote in favor of the bill before it heads to the President’s desk.

During this time, we need to stay up to date on possible regulations going through Congress that may get lumped into the bill.

The DAA has a new campaign opposing a section of the FAA Reauthorization that would prohibit the DOT from using any money for drones made in China along with the expected-to-be-introduced Drones for First Responders Act.

Check out the DAA Link below to make your voice heard and we'll keep you updated when we see more.

https://droneadvocacyalliance.com/

Next up is the DJI Mini 4K.

The drone is currently available for sale on DJI’s Amazon site, with no mention on DJI’s official website.

The Mini 4K supports recording up to 4K 30fps, and 2.7K up to 60 fps.

Other specs remain similar to the old Mini 2 series, with a 31-minute flight time, 3 axis gimbal, smart features like quickshots, panoramic shots, and RTH.

The Mini 4K comes in at $299 for the drone and controller, and the Fly-more combo with extra batteries at $449.

This offers a more cost-effective option for those looking for a 4K drone, as compared to the Mini 3 at $419 for the drone and controller, and $589 for the fly more combo.

Let us know what you think about this new DJI release!

https://dronexl.co/2024/04/29/dji-mini-4k-drone/

Last up, Robinson Helicopter has acquired Ascent AeroSystems.

If you’re unfamiliar with Ascent, they make the Spirit Drone which is a coaxial tube-like drone primarily used by the military and some industries.

The Spirit has a max takeoff weight of 13.5 lbs, an IP56 Rating, and a maximum flight time with a payload of 38 minutes.

Ascent also makes the NX30, with a 15lb payload, 65-minute endurance, and 35-mile range.

Robinson CEO David Smith hopes to ramp up production of Ascent’s drones to hundreds a month.

We’ll keep you updated if we see more from Robinson and Ascent!

https://dronexl.co/2024/04/24/robinson-helicopter-drone-maker-ascent-aerosystems/

Alright, that’s it, have a great weekend!

Welcome to your weekly UAS news update, we have 4 stories for you this week: New Drone Act in Congress, Aloft adds SGI, the DAC recommends Changes for Stadium TFRs, and the new DJI Agras!

First up, is the soon-to-be proposed "Drones for First Responders Act". Not to be confused with DFR: Drones AS first Responder, which is actually something useful. This bill is introduced by Elise Stefanik, NY republican, who was being the proposed full DJI ban we discussed a few weeks ago. So you know we're in good capable hands here.
The new act aims to transition public safety operations away from Chinese-made drones by increasing tariffs, providing grants to purchase US-made drones, set a limit on when imported drones must not contain Chinese parts (2030), and provides grants to US manufacturers.
There's no word though on if US manufacturers will be able to produce the same amount of drones and what will happen if production is limited.
The act claims that drones manufactured in China have a risk of potential data vulnerability. So I'm gonna ask the same question I've been asking for the last few years: if they are a threat, why are we allowing them to be used for the next 6 years under this proposal?
Keep in mind, this is NOT a bill nor a legislative proposal yet and is subject to change.
We don't have a bill text at this time, but we'll let you know when we see one.

https://dronelife.com/2024/04/21/new-legislation-balances-national-security-concerns-with-support-for-u-s-drone-industry-drones-for-first-responders-act/

Second up, Aloft has added automated SGI waiver requests into Air Control!
In case you don’t know what an SGI waiver is, it stands for Special Government Interest.
SGI waivers allow for public safety and other UAS operators to fly in emergency operations that may require entering a no-fly zone or flying beyond visual line of sight.
To get an SGI waiver, a department or operator had to call the FAA’s SOSC.
Aloft Air Control is now approved to provide these waivers as needed.
This should help all those public safety agencies and those who operate as volunteers.

https://www.aloft.ai/blog/aloft-introduces-automated-sgi-waivers-in-aloft-air-control-streamlining-access-to-restricted-airspaces/

Next up, the DAC is recommending changes to stadium TFRs!
Stadium TFRs close over 125,000 square miles of airspace annually and impact thousands of legitimate UAS operations.
The DAC’s recommendation includes a drone-specific TFR that would be limited to the fence line of the stadium, reducing the restriction by 99% to just 11 square miles.
Pretty cool for those operators who fly in cities!

https://www.einpresswire.com/article/704774366/drone-advisory-council-announces-recommendation-to-modernize-airspace-restrictions-at-sporting-events

Last up, DJI is continuing to release new drones!
The Agras T25 and the Agras T50 were released this week.
Along with these new Agras, DJI released Smart Farm, which allows for plot management and daily operations.
The new T50 comes with Active Phased Array RADAR, a four-sprinkler Kit, and 9-minute fast charging batteries.
The T50 has a maximum payload of 50kg of spreading payload or 40kg of spray payload and can spray 50 acres per hour.
We’ll keep you updated if we see more from DJI!

https://dronexl.co/2024/04/22/dji-agras-t50-agricultural-drone/

Alright, that’s it, have a great weekend and we’ll see you next week on Monday for the live!

Welcome to your weekly UAS news update, we have 3 stories for you this week: Drone Shop Owner arrested for prison drops, Baltimore bridge collapse, possible Avata release next week?
First up, next week appears to have two DJI releases!
The first release appears to be a possible gimbal which is set to release on the 9th.
Leaks on the new gimbal suggest an RS4 Pro and suggest battery compatibility and new accessories.
Unlike the possible RS4 Pro, the next release has several leaks.
Set to release on the 11th appears to be a new DJI Avata!
Leaked specs and pricing from DroneXL suggest a 1/1.3” CMOS sensor, D-Log, O4, and 23 minute battery life.
Pricing has also been leaked, with the drone only coming in at $410 and the fly more combo at $960.
We’ll keep you updated if we see anything else about either of these releases!

https://dronexl.co/2024/04/03/dji-avata-2-leaks-specs-prices-features/
https://dronexl.co/2024/03/28/dji-rs-4-pro-gimbal-leaked-photo/

Next up, the bridge collapse in Baltimore is a No Drone Zone.
If you’re unfamiliar, a container ship hit a bridge pylon on the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore resulting in the bridge collapsing.
To reduce possible airspace congestion, a TFR has been issued for the area surrounding the bridge.
Authorities including as the NTSB are using drones and helicopters as part of the investigation, with the NTSB releasing videos and images of the collapse.
The FBI has issued a statement saying: “The FBI's message is simple: All drones are to stay away from the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. This is to ensure the safety of all first responders and crews in the area as well as to not interfere with their work," said William J. DelBagno, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Baltimore Field Office. "You will be charged federally if you fly a drone in a restricted area. It is harmful to the recovery operations, and it is illegal”
Don’t be that guy…

https://dronexl.co/2024/03/31/fbi-no-drone-zone-baltimore-bridge-collapse/

Last up this week, a drone shop owner in Georgia was arrested for using drones to smuggle contraband into Prison.
Georgia Department of Corrections arrested business owner Robert Schwartz from Thunder Drones on charges including contraband drops and inmate communications.
Police said during the investigation they stopped over 170 prison drops, seized more than 50 drones, 51 lbs of ecstasy, 22 firearms, and 273 cellphones.
The investigation began in November of 2022 and has led to 146 arrests.
We’ll keep you updated if we see anything else about this story.

https://dronexl.co/2024/03/29/drone-shop-arrested-georgia-prison-contraband/

Alright, that’s it, have a great weekend and we’ll see you next week on Monday for the live!