The federal government has unveiled a long-awaited set of proposals to dramatically expand civilian drone flights while also tightening security, critical steps for an industry seeking to expand into robot aerial deliveries and scores of other commercial uses in populated areas.

A proposed regulation released Monday by the U.S. Department of Transportation would for the first time allow routine flights over people and at night, provided the remote-control operators take safety precautions. The new regulatory framework was announced by Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao in a speech in Washington.

Under current Federal Aviation Administration regulations, civilian drones can’t operate directly over people’s heads as a result of fears they could plunge from the sky, injuring or killing someone. That effectively makes it impossible to use them legally for scores of purposes, including surveying urban construction sites, delivering defibrillators to highway crash scenes and photograp..

In the past year, rogue drones have caused major disruptions to Auckland and Wellington airports, they've come within 10 metres of the police Eagle helicopter and within five metres of a plane carrying 278 people.

The aviation industry is looking into new methods for detecting drones and regulating their use.

Such incidents have aviation authorities hoping to ensure future incidents don't end in catastrophe.

The national air traffic control agency Airways New Zealand said an average of two drones a week are now coming dangerously close to New Zealand's airports and putting the flying public at risk.

It's calling for tougher rules for drone operators as it works to get ahead of ever-evolving drone technology and avert a mid-air collision.

Airways head of strategy Trent Fulcher said drones were illegally entering restricted airspace frighteningly often.

“What that mean is these are … drones that are coming into controlled space near an airport that aren'..

Chao Unveils New USDOT Drone And AV Initiatives At TRB

FreightWaves , FreightWaves.com

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January 14, 2019 6:07pm

Chao speaking at TRB 2019. Photo Credit: FW Staff

Proposed regulations on the use of drone technology and new guidance on the government's approach to autonomous vehicles were announced today by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao.

Speaking at the Transportation Research Board conference in Washington, D.C., Chao said her department was ready to issue for public comment a proposal to allow drones to fly at night and over the heads of people without a waiver – which is required under current regulations – as long as certain safety conditions are met.

Under the proposed rule, such waivers will not be required “if an operator has received the appropriate training, and approved testing, and can show that the drone has anti-collision lighting,” Chao said.

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Chao announced two other ..

Predicted growth for anti-drone technology

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The top 15 game developers who can create an engaging mobile game offering you a source of income. These companies will effectively transform your game idea.

To me the arcade experience is the ultimate gaming experience.”— Eugene JarvisSAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, USA, January 12, 2019 /EINPresswire.com/ — Our unbiased analysis and research to find the top-rated game app development firms, has found these highly potential game app developers the most capable. The companies chosen here have been amazing the gamer with astoundingly interactive, attractive and thrilling games. Since game apps can have their owners earn in millions, many big bu..

As the popularity of drones explodes, so does risks to airplanesDrones haven't caused a major airport shutdown in Canada — but there have been many near-misses, according to CBC News analysis of federal data.Drones haven't caused a major airport shutdown in Canada — but there have been many near-missesAs the number of recreational drones explodes, more of them are flying dangerously close to Canadian airports, a CBC News analysis of federal data shows. (Jamal Saidi/Reuters)Recreational drones haven't caused a major airport shutdown in Canada — like what happened at London's Heathrow Airport earlier this week — but they have led to delays and plenty of near-misses with airplanes.
As the number of recreational drones in Canada explodes, more of them are flying dangerously close to airports, a CBC News analysis of federal data shows.
Pilots spotted drones on or near their flight paths at least 130 times over the past five years. On a few occasions, it gave pilots a goo..