India releases civil drone regulations, detect and avoid testing begins in Kansas, the future of recreational drone flights, unmanned industry consolidation trends, an over 55-pound UAV approved, and a Chinese HALE drone.

UAV NewsIndia’s First Step Towards Regulating Drones

The Director General Civil Aviation’s (DGCA’s) Civilian Aviation Requirements (CAR) for Unmanned Aircraft System, was released August 27, 2018. The CAR takes effect December 1, 2018. Requirements include using the Digital Sky Platform on the DGCA’s website for administrative and procedural control of drones, registration numbers, and filing of flight plans.

Tests for UAS Integration Pilot Program begin – Iris Automation

The Kansas Department of Transportation is in the testing phase of the Integration Pilot Program, with a focus on new detect and avoid capabilities for drones. Iris Automation will test fly its computer vision and artificial intelligence technology for collision avoidance against a manned aircraft.

Video: Airborne Drone Collision Avoidance Field Trial – Iris Automation

The dark future of civilian drone operation

Justin Oakes from Droneworks Studios flies commercially but asks if measures under the recent FAA reauthorization will cause an end to recreational drone flying.

Video: Drone Pilots are FINISHED (New FAA Laws)

After Airware’s Demise, Consolidation Looms For The Commercial Drone Industry

Director of Corporate Analysis at Teal Group Philip Finnegan looks at the reasons we’ll continue to see consolidation in the drone industry.

FAA Approves HSE Over 55 lb Crop Sprayer Drone for Commercial Use!

UAV company Homeland Surveillance & Electronics, LLC (HSE) and aviation consulting firm UASolutions Group, Inc. were granted approval from the FAA for the AG-V6A+ multirotor UAS for Commercial Operations over 55 lbs. The AG-V6A+ is fully autonomous and designed for precision spraying.

A huge solar-powered drone that can supposedly stay in the air for months at a time has taken flight in China

China has a solar-powered high-altitude, long-endurance drone. Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) has flown the Morning Star UAV. The 20-meter (66-foot) wingspan drone flew at an altitude of more than 20,000 meters (66,000 feet).

UAV Videos of the Week

This is Fall Foliage in Groton Vermont – October 8th – Green Mountain Drone

Utah Fall Colors at Snowbasin by Drone