Washington state drone news: regulations, industry developments, innovative uses, events, and the impact on businesses and communities in the state.
U.S. lawmakers are sounding the alarm over what they perceive as a potential security threat from Chinese drone manufacturer DJI. The company is accused of using an unusual licensing agreement to sidestep restrictions on its products in the American market.…
The United States National Drone Association™ (USNDA) has officially announced its formation, setting up shop in Washington, D.C., with its national headquarters to be based at Full Sail University in Florida. This new organization aims to accelerate the U.S. Drone…
Wilmer Puello-Mota, a 28-year-old former U.S. Air Force member, has appeared in Russian propaganda videos operating drones for Moscow’s forces in eastern Ukraine. This surprising development comes after Puello-Mota fled the United States to avoid jail time for child pornography…
A humpback whale missing its tail fluke has been spotted off the coast of Washington state, with drone footage capturing the heartbreaking sight. The whale, named Catalyst, was first observed on July 5 and has since traveled about 370 miles…
The National Park Service (NPS) has implemented widespread restrictions on uncrewed aircraft, commonly known as drones, in most National Parks across the United States. This decision comes in response to growing concerns about visitor safety, wildlife disturbance, and noise complaints.…
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has become a proving ground for AI-enhanced Drone Technology, transforming modern warfare. According to a recent Washington Examiner report, these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are now capable of autonomous target acquisition and engagement, raising both…
Search and Rescue Advancements Drones have revolutionized search and rescue operations in Utah‘s challenging terrain. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become indispensable tools for locating lost hikers and individuals in distress. Equipped with advanced zoom and infrared cameras, drones…
Montgomery County, Maryland, is set to double its pioneering drone first responder program in the coming months, according to The Washington Post. The program, which has already surpassed 1,000 flights, uses drones to respond to 911 calls within seconds, often…
Freefly Systems, a leading American drone manufacturer, has announced a new variant of their popular Astro drone, featuring NDAA-compliant radios. The company also hinted at upcoming product releases and innovations during a recent interview on the PIXL Drone Show. New…
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…
Mexican cartels are increasingly using drones to carry out violent attacks, both against rival gangs and the public. This alarming development was brought to light during a recent congressional hearing by Carl Landrum, a former U.S. Border Patrol official, according…
Freefly Systems, based in Woodinville, Washington, has introduced the Astro Prime drone, aiming to revolutionize the Drone Industry with its innovative design and advanced features. As detailed in a recent video, the Astro is packed with cutting-edge technology and designed…
According to a recent report from the Hillsboro News Times, law enforcement in Beaverton, Oregon, successfully employed Drone Technology to apprehend an escaped prisoner from Washington state. The incident showcases the growing role of unmanned aerial vehicles in modern policing.…
A drone deployed by Tri-Cities officers made a chilling discovery in the home of Elias Huizar, a former policeman turned double-murder suspect, according to a report by the Tri-City Herald. The unmanned aircraft, used during a search of Huizar’s West…
According to a recent report by The Washington Post, the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party is raising alarms about China‘s growing dominance in the Drone Industry. The committee’s findings reveal a startling statistic: Chinese companies produce 90%…
In a recent discussion, drone industry experts Vic Moss and Greg Reverdiau shed light on the ongoing debate surrounding drone bans in the United States. Their conversation focused on the American Security Drone Act (ASDA), state-level regulations, and the potential…
DJI Drone Currently in Use, Seattle-Made BRINC Responder on the Way The Redmond Police Department is pioneering the use of drones as First Responders in the western Washington area. Since April 2, they have been deploying a DJI drone to…
The Rising Dependence on DJI Drones Kentucky‘s Hardin County sheriffs’ first drone, a DJI Matrice 300, became a game-changer in 2021 when it swiftly identified teenagers vandalizing a large farm. This success led the department to build a fleet of…
A New Era in Shark Surveillance As shark attacks rise in Australia, drones are proving to be a game-changer in keeping beachgoers safe. Nathaniel Woodcock, a 21-year-old drone pilot, spotted a great white shark heading toward swimmers at a beach…
A 44-year-old man from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, has been arrested for allegedly using his drone to stalk and harass teenage girls in his neighborhood. Michael Francis Brackman faces multiple misdemeanor charges, including stalking, possession of an instrument of crime, harassment, and…
In a bid to maintain its foothold in the American market, leading Chinese drone manufacturer DJI forges partnerships and licensing deals with U.S.-based companies. This move comes as lawmakers push for legislation to ban Chinese-made drones from entering the United…
The Renton Police Department (RPD) in Washington state is among the 1,400+ police departments nationwide utilizing Drone Technology, with over 30 drones and 24 FAA-licensed pilots. RPD is deploying drones across various divisions, from patrol to detectives and traffic investigations,…
The PIXL Drone Show Talks with Vic Moss In today’s episode of the Pixel Drone Show, hosts Greg from Pilot Institute and Haye from DroneXL welcomed Vic Moss, president of the Drone Service Provider Alliance (DSPA) and director of the…
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on entities accused of enabling Iran‘s drone program, aiming to disrupt the production and proliferation of drones used by Russia against Ukraine. This move underscores Washington‘s ongoing efforts to hinder Iran’s UAV capabilities, which have…
Aerial Arson Wins Prestigious Award at Drone Championships WUSA9 reports that Aerial Arson, an all-girls competitive drone team from Washington D.C., has won the prestigious Flight Operations award at the Aerial Drone Championships in West Virginia. The team, consisting of…
Anzu Robotics: The American Facade Anzu Robotics, a U.S.-based startup, is making waves by selling drones equipped with technology from DJI, a Chinese firm. The New York Times reports that the company aims to appease U.S. concerns about Chinese-made drones,…
Weekly UAS News Update Welcome to the Weekly UAS News Update! We have three stories for you this week. Yet again, we’re going to discuss the Drone for First Responder Act because this is just a horrible idea. Second, we’re…
Aerial Drones Help Solve Missing Persons Cases In a remarkable breakthrough earlier this month, the remains of 27-year-old Gwen Brunelle, who went missing last June, were found in Malheur County, Oregon. This discovery was made possible by the innovative use…
Airbus, a major player in aerospace, has completed its purchase of Aerovel, a U.S.-based company known for the Flexrotor unmanned aerial system (UAS). This acquisition marks a significant expansion in Airbus‘ tactical unmanned solutions, spotlighting the growing role of drones…
Battling Tags from the Sky: A New Drone Enters the Fight In a groundbreaking move to combat graffiti, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has introduced a pioneering solution—a high-tech drone specifically designed to tackle graffiti. This drone, a significant…
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