Drones that locate wildlife and select sick livestock, the FAA looks to Kittyhawk to redesign the B4UFLY app, an expanded role for LANNC, principles for autonomous vehicles in the city, a tourist is jailed for misusing a drone, and speculation about stealthy drones.

UAV NewsKoala-spotting drones proves a flying success

The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) published a study in the nature journal Scientific Reports describing drones that use infrared imaging to locate koala’s, even under the eucalyptus trees. An algorithm differentiates the koalas from other animals and the system is more efficient and less invasive than traditional techniques.

Kittyhawk to redesign FAA app for drone pilots

In February 2019, the FAA entered into a partnership with Kittyhawk to redesign the B4UFly app. The FAA says Kittyhawk will redevelop B4UFLY “to improve the user experience so that recreational drone operators know where they can and cannot fly.” The current B4UFLY App will continue to be available to the public until the new App is deployed. Last fall, Kittyhawk joined the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) program. Kittyhawk investors include Boeing’s HorizonX Ventures and insurance company Travelers.

Hobbyist drone pilots will soon be required to use LAANC to fly in controlled airspace

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 establishes new conditions for recreational use of drones and repealed the Special Rule for Model Aircraft. On October 12, 2018, the FAA published a news item saying they were “evaluating the impacts” of the rule change. (FAA Reauthorization Bill Establishes New Conditions for Recreational Use of Drones.) Previously, hobbyists flying in controlled airspace had to notify the ATC tower. The new language says, “In Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport, the operator obtains prior authorization from the Administrator or designee before operating and complies with all airspace restrictions and prohibitions.”

Pittsburgh Mayor announces ‘Pittsburgh Principles’ for autonomous vehicles

Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto issued an executive order known as the “Pittsburgh Principles.” The order outlines city objectives and expectations for the safe testing of autonomous vehicles in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It also assigns responsibilities for the development of transparent and constructive reporting guidelines. The Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) becomes the principal point of contact.

Myanmar Court Sentences Frenchman to Jail for Flying Drone

A French tourist was convicted under the Illegal Export-Import Act for flying a drone close to the parliament complex, and for bringing the drone into the country. Under the Illegal Export-Import Act, he could have been sentenced to a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment. The court sentenced him to one month in prison with hard labor minus time served, so he may be released after a week.

‪Drones Expected to Reduce Antibiotics in Livestock

The Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center is looking at drones to help identify sick or injured livestock. They are studying the use of thermal imaging sensors to look for hot spots on the animals. Instead of injecting the whole herd with antibiotics, only livestock that need an injection can receive the antibiotic.

Pocket Force Of Stealthy Avenger Drones May Have Made Returning F-117s To Service Unnecessary

There have been recent rumors that some F-117A Nighthawk stealth combat jets have been used for operations in the Middle East. The Drive says, “there is a strong possibility that the United States did deploy another aircraft, a variant of the General Atomics Avenger drone, carrying the base designation Q-11, to meet a similar requirement for a stealthy, but armed platform that could strike high value and mobile targets in contested areas.”