February 19th, 2019
I apologize up front for this rant! After my post, “Contradictions Going on with Drone Regulation and Enforcement Are Amazing!” I decided to see if miniature transponders exist. Turns out they do and the video to the right explains how they could work on UAVs. I was pretty calm about this until I noticed the date […]
July 4th, 2018
Here are some recent stats on the benefits of using drone video in an article on RISMedia.com: According to MLS statistics, homes with aerial images sold 68 percent faster than homes with standard images. Video tours that incorporate drone footage are also a great way to make your property stand out and to attract new […]
January 29th, 2018
Last week, DJI made an amazing announcement: The Mavic Air. It is getting very good reviews. Apparently, it is tiny (fits in a jacket pocket), light (under a pound), and practically uncrashable (capable of flying itself). The built-in camera shoots 12-megapixel stills, shoots 4K video, and 32-megapixel panoramas. It is set to start shipping on […]
August 8th, 2017
Back in 2014, Fotokite was announced and I’ve been following its development ever since. The only thing that kept me from getting one was the fact that it hasn’t been available on the US retail market. Just a few days ago I got some feedback from Tom in Colorado who took the leap and purchased […]
August 4th, 2017
Several things happened this last couple of weeks that indicate moves toward stricter drone regulations: The UK government has announced plans to introduce drone registration and safety awareness courses for owners of drones heavier than 250 grams. Transport Canada has proposed a draft of strict drone regulations and mandatory $100K insurance. DJI recently released a software […]
May 23rd, 2017
David Murdoch recently posted an important comment on last year’s poll we did on the FAA’s Part 107 certification. David said: Just as an update, the FAA confirmed in writing this week of the fines that can be applied. For a pilot who is unlicensed, the fine is $1,100 per occurrence/flight where imagery is used […]
April 27th, 2017
I just ran across some recent stats on the benefits of using drone video in an article on RISMedia.com: According to MLS statistics, homes with aerial images sold 68 percent faster than homes with standard images. Video tours that incorporate drone footage are also a great way to make your property stand out and to […]
September 25th, 2016
Greg in Arizona asks: Now that the FAA has their regulations and testing in place, I’m curious how other photographers are handling the registration process. They have made the testing and process so onerous I’m questioning whether it is worth it. I’ve about decided its not worth the expense and hassle to get certified. I’d […]
February 15th, 2016
Peter Sachs has an article last week over at suasnews.com and on dronelawjournal.com (Peter’s site) explaining the new amendment to the AIRR Act which is the latest FAA Reauthorization Act. Peter’s article says: On February 11, 2016, Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis introduced an innovative Micro Drone amendment to the AIRR Act, which is the latest FAA Reauthorization […]
November 18th, 2015
Last week I talked to the guys at UAV Coach. UAV Coach is a drone blog and online community that recently launched a 6-part drone training course. This is the course page. The 90-minute video and text-based course is geared towards brand new and beginner pilots who want to break into the industry and hone […]
October 19th, 2015
WASHINGTON (AP) via Seattle Times— The federal government will require many drone aircraft to be registered, a move prompted by the growing number of reported close calls and incidents that pose safety risks, officials announced Monday. Pilot sightings of drones have doubled since last year, including sightings near manned aircraft and major sporting events, and […]
July 23rd, 2015
Currently, if you wish to fly a drone commercially in the US with the FAA’s blessing you can petition the FAA for a section 333 exemption. One of the conditions for obtaining this exemption is you must be a licensed pilot. Here is what you need to do to file for a Section 333 Exemption and […]
April 14th, 2015
This is an important interview of Brendan Schulman, New York UAV lawyer that occurred today. Brendon was the lawyer that represented Raphael Pirker in Pirker v FAA. Robert Scoble is interviewing Brendan and they talk about current laws that apply to both commercial UAV operation and non-commercial UAV operation. Unfortunately Robert shot it vertically with his […]
March 13th, 2015
According to an article yesterday on MotherBoard.com the FAA has sent cease and desist orders to: Registered businesses that advertise drone-for-hire services on their websites. UAV operators that post footage on YouTube. Jayson Hanes, a Tampa-based hobbyist is the first to get a letter for posting on YouTube. And if you do not respond to the cease […]
January 7th, 2015
NAR President Chris Polychron, released a statement today on the Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to grant the first drone exemption to a real estate professional in the U.S.: “The FAA has taken a positive step by approving Realtor Doug Trudeau’s application, member of the Tucson Association of REALTORS®, for an exemption to fly an unmanned aerial vehicles […]
