Brian Tonry’s Post

What do drones have to do with the built environment? They will soon be an integral part of everyday life on both linear and vertical construction sites, delivering automated services to improve construction efficiency. As construction tools, these new assets will need to comply with operations and maintenance of the equipment, certification, flight rules and safety regulations, in many cases very similar to passenger aircraft. Is there room in our CDE for drones? You bet.

More forward motion for #BVLOS! The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for the Department of Transportation (DoT) filed a memorandum on the FAA’s efforts to establish a regulatory framework for such operations. According to the memo, “Nationwide interest in using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as ‘drones,’ in complex operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) is expanding.” The FAA reports that more than 369,000 commercial drones were registered as of the end of last year, with nearly 1 million expected to enter service by 2027. The OIG is initiating an audit this month to oversee the FAA’s integration efforts “due to their importance for maintaining U.S. leadership in aeronautics as well as their potential for introducing risks to the National Airspace System.” The audit will assess ongoing development of the FAA’s regulatory framework for BVLOS drone operations. To read the full article from AVweb, visit: https://bit.ly/3VdpwoP #Drones #UAS #DroneSafety #DroneRegulations #DroneIntegration #Part108

For the first time in U.S. aviation history, the FAA has granted authorization to multiple operators for the commercial use of drones without visual observers in shared #airspace. #Zipline International and #Wing Aviation have received permissions that enable them to deliver packages while maintaining safe distances between their drones using #UAS traffic management (#UTM) technology. This system allows the industry to control the airspace under strict FAA safety supervision."This marks the first occasion the FAA has allowed a third-party to manage drone interactions securely," said a spokesperson. It's a pivotal moment for the entire aviation sector as we move towards a future with increased flights and a heightened need for coordination. #uavdronetechnolog #drones #UAVs #aviation #technology #drones #eVTOLs #pilot #smartcities #Dronesforgood #AUVSI #DroneX #AAMExpo #helitech #Innovation #Aerospace #Technology https://lnkd.in/dn87S8uk

The biggest challenge facing the coming drone or UAS revolution will be the legislation involved. The technological hurdles can all be overcome and many of the mechanisms and systems are already established and proven. It's the rules and regulations around airspace that will determine how fast the industry develops and grows. This latest announcement is a major step forward in that process https://lnkd.in/ezDrMCTF. Currently, drones in many countries are restricted to Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) flights, meaning that the pilot (or operator) has to be able to clearly see the drone at all times. This is a key requirement within both the FAA and CAA regulations at the moment. The main reason for this is to avoid the fundamental risk of collision with other aircraft, so it's really about monitoring the drone's flight path and being able to manoeurve it clear of anything it might collide with. The aviation authorities are fully aware that their legislation needs to allow the scaling of the UAS industry while maintaining the essential element of safety https://lnkd.in/eDj7G-eB. This approach has led to the Extended VLOS (EVLOS) concept with trained observers beyond the operator's line of sight and the FAA have granted some BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) waivers in restricted airspace. And this latest grant is for the largest UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) so far. There's still a way to go before we'll see really large Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) flying over long distances but we're certainly heading in the right direction. #drone #UAS #UAV #BVLOS #EVLOS #VLOS #Droneliner #UmannedAerialVehicle #UnmannedAerialSystem #FAA #CAA

This is a major step forward in the progress of larger unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and shows the effort being undertaken to allow sustainable scaling of the industry https://lnkd.in/e4j7dx27. It aligns with the work the CAA is doing https://lnkd.in/eRM-MmZe, supported by their four pillars of Pilot competency, Flightworthiness, Risk assessment and Airspace. These regulations will form an essential part of the development of effective unmanned systems in the air and will support the more rapid growth and expansion of this valuable industry. #drone #UAS #UAV #BVLOS #EVLOS #VLOS #Droneliner #UmannedAerialVehicle #UnmannedAerialSystem #FAA #CAA

Earlier this week, FCC adopted initial rules for the non-networked access (NNA) operation of drones in the 5030-5091 MHz spectrum: https://lnkd.in/eg3RNiHW FCC Spectrum Rules Document: https://lnkd.in/eBtJe4j3 (some of our comments from AERPAW are also cited in the document). The gist of the ruling, quoted from the document: "Accordingly, we will allow NNA entities access to 20 megahertz of the band, at 5040-5060 MHz, during the IAM period. Once a DFMS becomes operational, the NNA operations will be limited to the 10 megahertz at 5040-5050 MHz." It is an exciting development that can accelerate the adoption of BVLOS drone operations in the future, and we hope to contribute to testing and experimentation as AERPAW.

Drone technology is advancing rapidly, with drones now more affordable, easier to obtain, and simpler to fly. CUAS technologies are matching the pace, levelling up powers of detection, classification and mitigation 🛡️ Like any innovative technology, drones hold boundless potential for both positive and negative applications. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, can be empowering to society. They're a helpful tool for agricultural, delivery, entertainment and even medical industries. The concept of unmanned aircraft isn’t even as new as you may think. It can be traced all the way back to 200 AD! Although a fascinating and progressive technology, it's also utilised for organised attacks and harmful disruptions. Drones are elusive threats with impossibly unpredictable pilots. In our latest blog, we break down the progression of Counter-UAS and its importance in todays world ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/dWN-hfTh #CUAS #Drones #CounterDrone #CUAS #Drones #CounterDrone #dronedetection #dronedefense

Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA) and AUVSI — Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International have explained the remote identification rule for drones (RID rule) by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The rule requires drones to broadcast identification and location information, serving as a digital license plate. Click here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gGRUHgi5 #Drones #RID #remoteidentification #commercialdrones

This upcoming rule will be a game-changer for drone operations. This landmark proposal opens up opportunities for delivery, public safety, and emergency services. It will push forward advancements and allow drone operations to scale. A big step toward transforming U.S. airspace!

Shaping the industry as we speak