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We have four stories this week: Let’s get to it! GAO Report on Foreign-Made Drones The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on the Department of Interior’s (DOI) stance on foreign drones. Currently, the DOI does not allow foreign drones to be used except for emergency situations such as search and rescue and wildfires.…
Let’s get started! DJI Action 5 Released DJI has released the new Action 5. It comes with a 1/1.3-inch sensor, the same size as the Mini 4 Pro. Features include: We’ll be getting our hands on one to check out soon and will be posting content on it. DJI Air 3S Hits FCC Database The…
So far this wildfire season, aerial firefighting activities have faced the persistent nuisance of 21 “public drone incursions,” the National Interagency Fire Center reported. These incidents have predominantly occurred in the U.S. West, with five cases in California, three in Arizona, three in New Mexico, two in Colorado, and one each in Wyoming, Nevada, Oregon,…
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken a significant step towards enhancing drone operations by adopting initial rules for wireless communications to control uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) safely. These new regulations, focusing on a portion of the 5 GHz spectrum band, aim to support the rapidly growing drone industry, according to Radio World. Spectrum Allocation…
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken a significant step towards enhancing drone connectivity by approving new rules that allow unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to access a portion of the 5 GHz spectrum band. This decision, announced on Thursday, aims to improve wireless connectivity for drones and support their growing applications across various sectors. Key…
A team of firefighters, scientists, and engineers in the UK is developing technology that could revolutionize wildfire detection and suppression using swarms of autonomous drones. According to a BBC report, the project aims to deploy up to 30 large twin-engine drones working collectively with artificial intelligence to spot and extinguish fires before they escalate into…
A drone light show created a powerful visual tribute to Lahaina’s heritage during the Puana Aloha no Lahaina concert, part of a week-long remembrance of the devastating August 2023 wildfires. The event, reported by Maui County, brought together music, community, and technology to honor the resilient spirit of Lahaina. Drones Paint the Sky with Lahaina’s…
Drone enthusiasts face unique challenges when flying in extreme weather conditions. This summer’s record-breaking heat and widespread wildfires have created new considerations for pilots. Safety remains paramount, both for the equipment and the operators themselves. In smoky conditions, visibility is the key factor. Pilots must maintain visual line of sight with their drones at all…
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