Tag - drone

07Feb

Talon Amphibious – The Chagos Expedition

In May 2018, an expedition to the British Indian Ocean Territory launched to study the distribution of megafauna across the Chagos Archipelago. Melissa Schiele, MSc student from Imperial College London, joined the expedition. Schiele also brought an amphibious drone -- the Aeromapper Talon -- to conduct the surveys. "I was thrilled when Dr. Tom Letessier from Zoological Society of London (ZSL) chose me to help with his drone research as part of the Bertarelli Programme in Marine Science," said Schiele. "Our plan was to survey some of the islands of the Chagos Archipelago to compare distributions of megafauna around islands with nesting birds to islands with invasive rats." To accomplish this task, Schiele researched possible drones. "To our knowledge, no one had a fixed-wing water landing drone," said Schiele. Fortunately for Schiele, there was one such drone that fit the bill -- the amphibious Aeromapper Talon manufactured by Aeromao Inc.  

UAVs and Conservation Efforts

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or drones, is gaining traction in the world of ecology and conservation. In marine environments, scientists are testing the feasibility of drones to locate megafauna as well as map large areas. Initial results are promising across the board. Many are looking to drones  to bridge the gap between ground truthing surveys (diving transects, etc.) and large-scale plane based surveys, which cover thousands of kilometers. "In April 2018, I flew to Aeromao headquarters in Canada to learn how to fly our new drones. Aeromao created the Talon - a waterproof fixed-wing drone capable of flying huge distances with the strength, stability and mechanisms of a small plane. With a two-meter wingspan, the units looked impressive. After a week of training and a successful water landing on Lake Erie, I packed up the two drones and flew from Toronto to the Maldives."  

The Chagos Expedition

"Our first deployment and retrieval of the Talon was a success. Plus, we captured our first aerial footage," said Schiele. "The drones were equipped with two cameras. One was on the belly of the fuselage; it took snapshots every second. The other camera was in the clear nose cone. It allowed live streaming of the drone flight to a screen used by the drone pilot. The images proved our original concept worked and we were able to pin point sharks, birds and large fish." Overall, the Talon performed well. There were some small water entry points which is being addressed. We also lost a few days to poor weather. For safety reasons, we did not fly in strong winds and there was little sense flying in rain. By the end of the three-week expedition, we had a suite of images and two drones in need of some TLC. This expedition is just the beginning of a very exciting, international effort into the use of water landing drones for use in marine ecology. We are learning from any mistakes we make and becoming deft at drone mechanics, too," said Schiele.  

About the Aeromapper Talon Amphibious

The Amphibious version of the Aeromapper Talon allows maritime operations by autonomously belly landing on water. Learn more about the Talon Amphibious and shop the entire line of Aeromapper UAVs at Unmanned Systems Source.
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08Nov

FAA Targets UAS Violators for Enforcement

Pilots of unmanned aircraft who interfere with first responder efforts are now more likely to face serious civil penalties...even for first time offenses. Recently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released guidance (PDF) for agency personnel who handle possible drone violations. Now, all cases involving interference with first responder operations are referred to the FAA Chief Counsel’s office for possible enforcement action.  

Fines increase

In July 2016, Congress authorized the FAA to impose a civil penalty of not more than $20,000 for drone operators who deliberately or recklessly interfere with emergency response efforts. Under FAA guidance, inspectors generally use non-enforcement methods. For example, educating the operator can correct unintentional violations that arise from flawed systems, simple mistakes, or lack of understanding. However, given the potential for direct and immediate interference with potentially life-saving operations where minutes matter, offenders are now immediately considered for enforcement actions. Possible enforcement actions include: revocation or suspension of a pilot certificate and up to a $20,000 civil penalty per violation.  

The need for deterrence

Deterring interference with first responders is critical, particularly as drone use expands exponentially. When a drone enters an area, firefighting aircraft are required to suspend flights to avoid a possible mid-air collision. A drone flying over a crime scene or accident site can hamper police or medical aircraft operations. Ultimately, interference by a drone can cost lives. The FAA’s rules for flying unmanned aircraft are clear. Pilots can save themselves and others serious problems by following them to the letter. Don’t let your decision to fly cause someone else to die.
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30Jan

uAvionix tests dime-sized ADS-B for high traffic density drone operations

uAvionix tests dime-sized ADS-B January 30, 2017 - uAvionix Corporation based in Palo Alto, California continues to innovate within the ADS-B transceiver market. Today, uAvionix announced the development and test of a dime-sized transceiver weighing less than 1 gram. UAvionix worked under a Collaborative Research and Development Agreement with the FAA and other partners to test this prototype.  

Smallest transceiver to-date

This ADS-B module represents the smallest transceiver to date. Its small form factor is designed to integrate directly into professional and consumer-level drones with transmission power between 0.01-0.25 Watts. It could provide visibility to any aircraft equipped with ADS-B “in” avionics from 1-10 miles away. Currently, the product does not fall within current FAA standards due to its low power output transmission.  

Need for uAvionix dime-sized ADS-B

Recently, a study published in January by the MITRE Corporation’s Center for Advanced Aviation Systems Development (CAASD) envisioned a world of very high traffic densities of drones with on-board ADS-B. The study sought to understand the implications of such a scenario. It suggested that there is a nominal transmission power output between 0.01 and 0.1 Watts that, when coupled with limited drone traffic densities, can result in a compatible operation with the system as a whole. uAvionix believes this module is a step towards the future. “We developed this product to show the world the art of the possible,” said Paul Beard CEO of uAvionix. “We can’t yet sell this device because the standards that were developed for ADS-B did not take into account the value of air-to-air ADS-B communications between small drones or between drones and manned aircraft. It’s literally not legal to transmit at these low power outputs. We aim to lead the discussion and development of those standards and will work with any regulatory body to do so.”  

About uAvionix

uAvionix develops the world’s smallest, lightest and most affordable ADS-B transceivers and transponders, Ping. UAvionix’s Ping network system combines hardware, software, and real-time airspace mapping to enable companies to safely and reliably operate drones in the National Airspace System (NAS). Shop the complete line of uAvionix ADS-B products at Unmanned Systems Source.
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24Jan

Steps to Take Before You Experience a Flyaway

Up, Up and Away!

Steps to Take Before You Experience a FlyawayA gust of wind. Interruption or loss of the control link. Pilot error. A dreaded flyaway. There are many ways to lose a drone. But when you think about the various hazards surrounding flight, outright loss may not come to mind. In fact, loss of a drone during flight is more common than you may think. Of course, today’s drones are more and more automated and most come equipped with GPS. But that doesn’t mean things can’t and don’t go wrong…because they do. In the event of a catastrophe, the odds of finding your drone improve based on the steps you take before such an event occurs.  

Register your drone with the manufacturer

There are two basic camps when it comes to registering product with the manufacturer: those who automatically do it and those who consider it a waste of time. Don’t neglect this step; there are many benefits to registering your drone. Some benefits include: proof of ownership, more efficient warranty services, product updates and recalls, and more. The minute you unpack your new vehicle, take the time to register it with the manufacturer. If your drone flies away, some helpful individual may contact the manufacturer and help reunite you with your drone.  

Register your drone with the FAA

As you know, as of December 21, 2015, the FAA requires all drones, model aircraft and other sUAS weighing between 0.55 and 55 pounds to be registered. You must register before your first flight. Registering your drone with the FAA is inexpensive, easy and it can save you from getting hefty fines.  

Update your drone’s GPS

If your drone has a GPS, power it up in a place that gives clear view of the sky and give the GPS time to update. Updates are automatically sent from the satellites. This step usually takes about 15 minutes but is well worth your time. Updated GPS helps ensure that in the event you need the drone to “return home” it has accurate positioning.  

Tag it with a tracker

GPS-based trackers are an inexpensive and popular option. GPS trackers provide accurate positioning details of a lost drone. In the event your drone flies away, information on the longitude and latitude of its location helps you zero in on, at the very least, your search area. There are several trackers available on the market today, each with their own pluses and minuses.  

Tag is with your number

It might not sound very tech savvy but putting your phone number on your drone is helpful. Consider this, if your drone flies off into the sunset, eventually, it comes crashing to the ground. There’s a chance some unsuspecting individual finds it, “Oh look, a lost drone!” If your phone number is taped somewhere on the drone, this good Samaritan may just give you a call. Low-tech but effective. Of course, it is always advisable for new flyers to grow their skills in open fields, away from obstructions and innocent bystanders. Keeping the drone within line of sight is also vital. Remember to fly with fully charged batteries and return home before the battery is completely drained. Read more helpful tips for first time drone operators.  

If you find a drone

If you happen to find a lost drone, there are a few steps you can take to help reunite the little buddy with his fretful owner. One option is to locate the serial number, call the manufacture and report it “found”. If the manufacturer is able to help, they’ll outline next steps. If the drone has a camera you can attempt to use the feed to communicate with the owner, which likely goes to their computer or mobile device. A shot of the phone number where the owner can contact you, is one suggestion. Place an ad on Craigslist. It might seem unlikely but an ad could help you find the rightful owner. And, of course, if the owner placed his number on the drone, simply give him or her a call.   In the event you experience a dreaded flyaway or simply lose your drone somewhere over the rainbow, consider the proactive steps listed above. Of course, there are no guarantees but the steps outlined may just help you get your drone back.
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30Nov

UK Releases Revised Set of Drone Operation Rules Ahead of Holiday Season

The United Kingdom has released a simplified set of guidelines regarding drone operations in preparation for a holiday season that is expected to bring thousands of new drones into the homes of consumers. In an effort to make it easier for drone owners to remember the guidelines, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has released the following mnemonic to make it easy to remember the rules:

  • Don't fly near airports or airfields
  • Remember to stay below 400ft (120m) and at least 150ft (50m) away from buildings and people
  • Observe your drone at all times
  • Never fly near aircraft
  • Enjoy responsibly

The CAA is responsible for the UK's airspace and aviation operations, and although they do have a full explanation of drone operator rules, it seems fitting that they would try and simplify the rules for first time drone buyers who may not be aware of the regulations after purchasing, or receiving a drone as a gift.

In a CAA press statement, Andrew Sage, an air traffic control provider at the NATS, said:

Drones are an incredible, inspiring technology but it's vital that people are using them safely.  With the number of reported drone incidents on the rise, it's important that people understand their legal obligations and fly safe, having fun whilst ensuring other users of the UK's airspace aren't put at risk.

Through research, the CAA found that the UK public had concerns regarding drone use, so hopefully the simplifications done to the drone code will ensure that even first time drone operators know the basics of how to safely fly their drones in UK airspace.

View Full UK Drone Code

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08Jun

KnowBeforeYouFly.org Announces Over 500,000 Unique Visitors

drones_before_flyWASHINGTON — Know Before You Fly announced today more than 500,000 unique users have visited its website since the launch of the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) education campaign in December 2014. An estimated 700,000 UAS were sold in the United States in 2015, according to the Consumer Technology Association. In addition, more than 425,000 people have registered their drones since Dec. 21, 2015, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The robust traffic to the Know Before You Fly website is evidence that the safety campaign is potentially reaching the majority of people flying or interested in flying UAS.

Campaign Strength Contributed to Supporters

The campaign saw a spike in visitors during the holiday season likely due to a number of consumers purchasing UAS for the first time. In fact, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) saw the highest number of visitors (6,009) to the site. Additionally, the spike in December may have been helped by the FAA’s Dec. 14 announcement requiring recreational operators of small UAS to register before the first flight outdoors. The strength of the campaign is due to its nearly 100 supporters, which play an invaluable role in amplifying the campaign’s educational efforts and informing the public by spreading the word about safe and responsible UAS use. Know Before You Fly lists several manufacturers, distributors and retailers as supporters, including Amazon, DJI, Horizon, and Walmart. The campaign also has a number of supporters from the manned and unmanned aviation communities as well as from a number of UAS training programs and research institutions, such as Virginia Tech. Many of these companies and organizations have agreed to include UAS safety information on their websites, with their products and/or at point-of-sale. For instance, in December 2015, DJI began distribution of the campaign’s safety brochures inside the packaging of all its U.S.-bound Phantom 3 and Inspire 1 UAS product series. Amazon launched the Fly Responsibly Drone Store and the company links to the campaign’s materials on Amazon.com. Meanwhile, Walmart is promoting a link to the Know Before You Fly website on its store shelves where drones are sold and a link to the campaign’s website is included on receipts for UAS purchases made in-store and online.

Traffic Tells the Story

Traffic to the website proves these education efforts are working. Nearly 41.6 percent of Know Before You Fly website traffic was referred from websites of campaign supporters’, such as the FAA.gov (14,020 referrals), TowerHobbies.com (10,274 referrals), Amazon.com (6,821 referrals), BestBuy.com (6,193 referrals), Yuneec.com(6,171 referrals), HorizonHobby.com (4,815 referrals), and HobbyPeople.net (1,671 referrals). Additionally, one of every three visitors to the site has typed the URL directly into their browser, which means more and more people know the campaign by name. Know Before You Fly was launched by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) in partnership with the FAA with the goal of spreading awareness about safe and responsible use of UAS. For more information on safe and responsible flying, see our Drones - What You Need To Know page with more information about the Know Before You Fly initiative. Read full press release: Know Before You Fly Reaches Major Milestone with More than 500,000 Unique Visitors to Website.
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