Who’s Watching the Skies?

woman playing drone

By John Meehan, FAA Safety Outreach Branch As drone operators, are we screen-watching camera operators, or are we pilots? The FAA says we’re pilots, which means we have a responsibility to see and avoid other aircraft (and persons and property on the ground). Seeing and avoiding air traffic is our responsibility when operating drones. Studies … Read more

The Truth of Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) and Collision Avoidance for Public Safety Drone Pilots

The Truth Of Visual Line Of Sight (vlos) And Collision Avoidance For Public Safety Drone Pilots

Here is the latest FAA guidance on Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) and Collision Avoidance for drone pilots flying under Part 107 or a COA. Let’s not forget the actual limited operating distances that are required. Seeing your drone means a lot more than just seeing a dot in the sky. Pay attention to the … Read more

NASA Flies Large Unmanned Aircraft in Public Airspace Without Chase Plane for First Time

Nasa Flies Large Unmanned Aircraft In Public Airspace Without Chase Plane For First Time

NASA’s remotely-piloted Ikhana aircraft, based at the agency’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, successfully flew its first mission in the National Airspace System without a safety chase aircraft on Tuesday. This historic flight moves the United States one step closer to normalizing unmanned aircraft operations in the airspace used by commercial and private … Read more