Pilot Institute
Pilot Institute: News on Part 107 drone training programs, certifications, industry insights, technology updates, and tips for drone pilots.
Australian Drone Operator Sphere Scores Rare Self-Assessment BVLOS Approval
Sydney-based Sphere Drones has secured approval under Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) new Broad Area Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Self-Assessment framework, becoming one of the first operators nationwide authorized to independently evaluate operational areas for autonomous drone…
American Drone Hobby Faces Accessibility Crisis as Bans, Regulations, and Market Forces Converge
The United States drone hobby is under severe pressure from multiple directions simultaneously, threatening to transform the most accessible entry point into aviation into an increasingly expensive and restricted pursuit. While Canadian and European enthusiasts enjoy flourishing drone communities with…
Reliable Robotics Secures $17.4M Air Force Deal As FAA Approves Fully Autonomous Aircraft Testing
The future of autonomous aviation just got a major boost. Reliable Robotics has secured a $17.4 million contract with the US Air Force to integrate its fully autonomous flight system onto a Cessna 208B Caravan, marking a significant milestone in…
Amazon Resumes Flights After Dual Crane Crashes, Flock Launches Private Security Drones, Phase One Unveils 247MP Camera
Welcome to your weekly UAS news update. We have three stories for you this week that every drone pilot needs to know about. Amazon is resuming operations after two of their drones crashed into a crane, Flock Safety is launching…
Rail Union Demands FAA Ban Drones Over Train Yards, Citing Surveillance and Safety Concerns
A major rail workers union has asked the Federal Aviation Administration to prohibit drone flights over rail yards and main lines, arguing that railroad management is increasingly using unmanned aircraft for employee surveillance in what the union calls one of…
Pilot Institute Challenges FAA’s Proposed BVLOS Rules, Warns of “Undue Burden” on Small Operators
Pilot Institute has submitted a comprehensive 28-page comment to the Federal Aviation Administration challenging key provisions of the proposed Part 108 regulations for beyond visual line of sight drone operations, warning that the rules could eliminate pathways for thousands of…
Business Aviation Group Pushes FAA for Universal Electronic Conspicuity in Drone Regulation Fight
The National Business Aviation Association has thrown its weight behind a safety-first approach to the FAA’s proposed drone regulations, urging regulators to require electronic conspicuity for all aircraft rather than creating complex new right-of-way rules that could fragment the national…
Get Paid to Fly Drones – Over 25 Jobs for Drone Pilots
So, you’ve got your Part 107 to fly drones commercially, and now you can get paid to fly your drone. Today, we’re diving into over 25 jobs that you can do to make money using your drone. Whether you’re looking…
The FAA Forgot About You in Part 108 — Speak Up by Oct 6!
So, you want to fly beyond visual line of sight, huh? Good timing. The FAA proposed new Part 108 rules in early August, and now they’re asking for comments. And yes, the proposal is about 650 pages long, and it’s…
Angel Aerial’s New Drone, Pilot Pleads Guilty, Drone Captures a Rescue, Amazon’s New SCL
Welcome to your weekly UAS news update! We have four big stories this week, and as you can tell, we’re live from Las Vegas on the drone floor. There are actually drones flying in the cage behind us right now.…
$12M for Inspired Flight, Anzu V3.8, ACSL’s Controller & Payload, Mini 5 Pro Price Leaks
Welcome to the weekly UAS news update. There are four stories this week: Inspired Flight has secured significant funding, Anzu Robotics released version 3.8, Japanese drone maker ACSL announced new gear, and there’s a pricing leak for the DJI Mini…
Drone News: SiFly’s World Record, New GS-ONE Controller, Freefly Fest 2025, Drug-Loaded Drone Arrest
Welcome to your weekly UAS news update. We have four stories for you this week: Let’s get to it. SiFly Sets World Record for Endurance California-based drone manufacturer SiFly has officially set a new Guinness World Record for flight endurance…