Trump Backs Air Traffic Control Privatization
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/05/us/politics/trump-privatize-air-traffic-control.html
Summary:
In late May, President Trump endorsed a proposal to privatize air traffic control, stating that tracking airplanes with GPS would “dramatically improve” on the current method of radar and radio signals. Other supporters claim that the nation’s 60-year-old system needs to be modernized, and that the proposed reforms would “usher in a new era of enhanced safety and performance in the skies”.
So what does this mean for drones? This article talks about some of the additional challenges of air traffic control and drone flying.
New Senate Drone Bill Would Give Power to States and Local Governments
http://fortune.com/2017/05/25/senate-drone-bill-faa-regulations/
Summary:
The Drone Federalism Act would let municipalities decide how both businesses and hobbyists can operate their drones below an altitude of 200 feet. This bill would allow the FAA to choose up to ten state, local, and tribal governments to create two-year pilot programs, where these governments would work with the FAA to create their own individual drone rules. According to this article, 135 local governments in 31 states have enacted their own drone rules.
Drone crash causes power outage in Mountain View
http://www.ktvu.com/news/260278378-story
Summary:
Here is a perfect example of why it is so important to follow the FAA Regulations: a drone caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage to high-voltage wires in Mountain View, CA earlier this month. Drones are not allowed to be flown within 5 miles of an airport without notification, and must also be kept clear of obstacles – read all about it here!
Amazon’s idea for a massive drone dock looks like a cross between a beehive and a spaceship
Summary:
Online retail giant Amazon has been on the forefront of incorporating new technology into their services. Just last week, it was announced that they have applied for a patent for their new warehouse drone towers! In fact, there are plans for robots to carry the drones, which will then fulfill orders. (In case you missed it, Amazon completed its first public demonstration of a Prime Air drone delivery in the U.S in March.)
Feeding the Sharks
Kalani Robb on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/BU2fMPUBesK/
Summary:
“If you can’t beat ‘um, feed ‘um!”, says @kalanirobb on Instagram. As you might know, the beaches in Sam Clemente, CA were recently closed due to shark sightings. Using a GoPro, and of course, a drone, Kalani decided to have some fun and feed these sharks - check it out here.
