Greg Reverdiau is the co-founder and lead instructor of Pilot Institute, one of the largest online drone and airplane training schools. A longtime pilot and flight instructor, he covers drone regulations, safety, and training for DroneXL, translating FAA rulemaking into plain language for pilots.
The FCC wants to redefine 'military-grade' drones so broadly it could stop sales of thermal, LiDAR, and dock-equipped models already on the market — including the LiDAR sensor in a 151-gram DJI Neo 2. Pilot Institute's Greg Reverdiau breaks down all seven categories and how to file a comment before September 2.
Welcome to your weekly UAS news update. We have three stories for you. DJI gets a big win. We have a new drone tariff. And then lastly, we have a Chinese drone maker that is somehow getting FCC clearance. So, let's get to it.
In this week's US drone news update, I cover the DARPA Lift Challenge results, a drone-delivered defibrillator that saved a man's life in Sweden, and the FCC proposal that could pull already-approved DJI drones like the Mini 5 Pro and Air 3S off the shelves.
Most new pilots think 400 feet is a hard ceiling. It isn't. Greg Reverdiau of Pilot Institute walks through the structure rule, FAA waivers, and CBO fixed sites, plus the LAANC mistake that trips up Part 107 pilots.
More than 700 drones seized at the FIFA World Cup, Spokane wildfire incursions ground firefighting aircraft, and DoorDash Air wins FAA Part 135 approval.
Pilot Institute covers two new FCC drone exemptions, ParaZero and Axon Vision’s net-based counter-UAS system, and FAA-approved avalanche drones.
This week’s Pilot Institute update covers a Colorado drone pilot facing federal charges after grounding wildfire aircraft, a new FCC request for comment that could restrict some military-grade foreign-made drone imports, and the National Press Photographers Association’s warning that the FAA’s Section 2209 rule could create permanent restrictions with no clear way to challenge them.
Welcome to your weekly UAS news update. This week: the FCC moves against eight alleged DJI front companies, San Francisco police drone feeds were exposed online for months, BRINC raises $125 million, and Duke Health is now flying defibrillators to real 911 calls.
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