June 28, 2016
UAS test site to be developed in Alpena, Michigan
In today's news, Business Facilities published an article which cited projections
from AUVSI's economic impact report and the potential of the UAS industry. They
report that the Northern Michigan Unmanned Aerial Systems Consortium
received a grant to develop a UAS test site in Alpena, Michigan. The funds,
awarded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), were
made available through special grant appropriation passed by the state
legislature. State Senator Jim Stamas explains that "Alpena has worked tirelessly
to leverage regional strengths to take advantage of an emerging market... We are
pleased to provide additional resources through the MEDC."
College rolling out small UAS program
Campus News reports that this fall, Mohawk Valley Community College will be
rolling out an Associate degree program for small UAS. The program teaches
students to design and build sUAS and is designed to equip students with a range
of skills including programming, operation planning and general flight awareness.
Earlier this year, MVCC received a section 333 exemption so that students,
faculty and staff "will be able to fly sUAS for the purposes of conducting aerial
photography, videography, inspections, surveying, closed-set motion picture
filming, and search and rescue operations."
UAS operators encouraged to review small rule
Finally, the Chicago Tribune encouraged UAS operators to review the new small
UAS rule in its article about the FAA's control over the airspace. Elizabeth Cory,
FAA spokesperson, reminds hobbyists that "they must be aware of the
recreational rules in order to operate in the nation's airspace." The article
concludes by referring people to the Know Before You Fly website for more
information. AUVSI is a founding member of Know Before You Fly and has been
working with the FAA to develop guidelines that strike a balance between safety
and expanded UAS use.
Other News:
Drone delivery of vaccines would be cost-effective in developing nations, Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Bat wings inspire new breed of drone, Reuters
Oregon buys drone for police, firefighters, The Blade
Hover Camera is a personal drone for selfie lovers, TechCrunch