Drone policy, incidents, and industry news across the United States — from statehouses to the national airspace.
A recent drone survey near a homeless encampment in Hilo, Hawaii, led to a violent confrontation between county workers and encampment residents. The incident, reported by Island News, highlights the tensions surrounding drone use in sensitive areas and raises questions about privacy concerns in public spaces. The Incident Two Hawaii County workers were assaulted by…
In a recent Reddit post, a Texas-based agricultural drone operator shared a harrowing experience highlighting the potential dangers of the FAA’s Remote ID for drones. The incident has sparked a heated discussion among drone enthusiasts, who argue that the system compromises the safety of legal drone operations by exposing the pilot’s location to the public.…
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a new interactive map to help drone pilots locate FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs), offering an alternative way to comply with Remote ID regulations. According to a recent tweet from the FAA DroneZone, this tool aims to simplify the process for drone operators to find nearby areas where they…
In a landmark case, Fengyun Shi, a Chinese graduate student, has pleaded guilty to charges under the Espionage Act for using a drone to photograph classified U.S. Navy vessels. This marks the first known conviction under a World War II-era statute prohibiting aircraft photography of sensitive military sites, as reported by The Verge. The Drone…
Welcome to your weekly UAS news update. We have 4 stories for you: Senate NDAA Bill Release, drone show loses 55 drones, the Freefly Astro Prime, and Watts Innovations is transitioning into something else. Senate NDAA Bill Release The Senate version of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was released this week without the…
The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) has expanded its drone program to provide crucial support to lifeguards at New York City beaches, as reported by Eyewitness News. This innovative approach combines cutting-edge technology with traditional rescue methods to enhance water safety. Eyes in the Sky: Drones to the Rescue FDNY’s robotics unit, typically used…
The Shaker Heights Police Department in Ohio is on track to acquire its own drone by the end of the year. This move comes after several work sessions discussing Chief Wayne Hudson’s request to use $22,000 from Law Enforcement Trust Funds for the purchase, reports Cleveland.com. Drone Capabilities and Costs The initial cost of the…
The Yonkers Police Department in New York has launched a pioneering “Drone as a First Responder” (DFR) program, marking a significant advancement in emergency response capabilities for the region, reports Eyewitness News and Lohud. High-Tech Eyes in the Sky The program utilizes a DJI M300 or Matrice 300 series drone equipped with high-definition cameras and…
One email with the drone news that matters — DJI, FAA, public safety, and everything in between, straight from the newsroom. No spam, no fluff.
