With the exception of a bit of dramatic license, National Public Radio’s recent report on the emergence of domestic “drones” (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) does a good job of putting this issue in perspective. The report describes some of the benefits of this new technology as well as the public perception […]
Continue readingCongressional Action Mounts as UAS Privacy/Security Concerns Intensify
As the FAA struggles in its efforts to enable the operation of commercial and public use unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), anxiety over privacy and national security issues continues to escalate. Over the past several months more than a dozen congressional initiatives have been enacted to address these issues and further […]
Continue readingStates Looking to Regulate UAS
I suppose it was only a matter of time… In the wake of growing public concern over privacy issues, state lawmakers are now considering new laws to regulate the use of unmanned aircraft systems (Drones) within their state. Republican Del. Todd Gilbert, one of Virginia’s most conservative lawmakers, is working with […]
Continue readingMass. Man to Plead in Terror Plot using Model Airplanes
Central Maine’s Morning Sentinel reports that Rezwan Ferdaus has struck a plea agreement with prosecutors. According to court documents filed by prosecutors and attorneys for Ferdaus, the Massachusetts man charged with plotting to fly remote-controlled model planes packed with explosives into the Pentagon and U.S. Capitol plans to plead guilty […]
Continue readingRecent Poll Shows Public Concern Regarding the use of Drones – Split
A recent poll reported by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) regarding the government use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, i.e. Drones, shows significant public concern over privacy issues and potential misuse by law enforcement. However, the poll also shows strong support for what is viewed as legitimate uses […]
Continue readingAbility to “Hijack” civilian Drones adds new Concerns to the UAS Issue
Researchers from the University of Texas recently demonstrated how a civiliam UAS can be easily “spoofed” by jamming it with a fake GPS signal. Professor Todd Humphreys from Austin’s Radionavigation Laboratory concludes that, “Spoofing a GPS receiver on a UAV is just another way of hijacking a plane,” Click the link below to […]
Continue readingFeds take Action against UAS Operations near Alcatraz
Federal authorities from the National Park Service recently cited two individuals for operating a UAS near and around Alcatraz Island. On June 26th the UAS operators were working on a pictorial project involving images of Alcatraz. In doing so, they were taking aerial photographs of the historic location using an […]
Continue readingFlurry of Legislative Activity Poses Challenges for UAS Community
In a recent advocacy update the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) reported that, “Congressional action regarding unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) has reached an all-time high… policymakers have expressed concerns surrounding privacy issues related to how this technology will be used… five bills (have been) brought on the Hill, […]
Continue readingPresident Bob Brown Represents Model Aeronautics in Washington DC.
This was a busy week for AMA President Bob Brown who spent two days in Washington, DC working on behalf of the AMA membership. On June 26th, Bob represented the AMA at a meeting of all United States Air Sport Organizations (ASOs) under the auspices of the National Aeronautic Association […]
Continue readingActing Administrator Michael Huerta testifies before the Senate Commerce Committee
June 21, Acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta testified in a nomination hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation with little fanfare and very little substance. Despite a 6 minute grilling by Committee Chairman John Rockefeller regarding FAA’s failure to implement new rules addressing airline pilot training in […]
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