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The FAA's Center of Excellence for UAS Research (ASSURE) will conduct drone-detection testing in Cape May, New Jersey, between April 14-25. During this 2 week period, the FAA will operate several large drones and more than 100 commercial off-the-shelf drones.

Texas school districts investigating UAV security, but not armed drones

AI-powered drone system reduces inspection time from 2 hours to 17 minutes, offering a safer, faster solution for subterranean infrastructure projects

NASA is testing a new software system to create an improved warning system – one that can predict hazards to drones before they occur. The In-Time Aviation Safety Management System (IASMS) will monitor, assess, and mitigate airborne risks in real time.

New Certificate of Waiver (COW) Process Streamlines Approvals for Public Safety Agencies

Despite the long-standing recognition of drones' security potential, technological and regulatory challenges have prevented many from truly exploring adoption.

The drone industry is experiencing a significant shift in funding priorities, with military and defense applications attracting substantial investments.

NASA researchers conducted initial validation of a new airspace management system designed to enable crews to use aircraft to fight and monitor wildland fires 24 hours a day, even during low-visibility conditions. 

At the National Public Safety UAS Conference hosted by DRONERESPONDERS, Captain Brandon Moore of the Asheville Police Department (APD) shared insights from their UAV operations during Hurricane Helene's aftermath in Western North Carolina, highlighting both successes and critical lessons learned.

The National Public Safety UAS Conference featured a session on drone incursions in New Jersey. The discussion, led by experts from law enforcement and counter-UAS operations, shed light on the extensive efforts made by multiple agencies to determine what, if anything, had actually occurred.

Flying Lion, Inc., a leading drone service provider, has launched FLI Town, the nation's first dedicated Drone as First Responder (DFR) training center. This facility offers a secure, vendor-agnostic environment designed to support public safety agencies in training, testing, and collaboration on drone operations.

The National Public Safety UAS Conference, hosted by DRONERESPONDERS at Busch Gardens, Virginia, featured a keynote fireside chat between Tim Arel, Chief Operating Officer of the FAA's Air Traffic Organization, and Chief (Ret.) Charles Werner, Director of DRONERESPONDERS. The discussion underscored the FAA's evolving approach to integrating drones into public safety operations,

At the National Public Safety UAS Conference, hosted by DRONERESPONDERS, a panel of FAA officials provided critical updates on new waivers, regulatory processes, and efforts to improve access to airspace for public safety drone operations.

Federal Funding for UAV Integration in North Dakota, Self-Localizing Drones from MIT, Drones for Health Resources Delivery in Rural Kentucky

As unmanned aerial systems proliferate, airports across the country are becoming increasingly concerned over the need to keep unauthorized drones from entering restricted airspace, potentially interfering with scheduled flight traffic, forcing ground delays and posing a possible danger to manned aircraft and personnel.

This bill would allow law enforcement agencies to use federal grants to purchase and operate drones, expanding access to technology that enhances public safety and emergency response capabilities.

In Aug. 2024, a team of NASA researchers and partners gathered in Missoula, Montana to test new drone-based technology for localized forecasting, or micrometeorology. Researchers attached wind sensors to a drone, NASA's Alta X quadcopter, aiming to provide precise and sustainable meteorological data to help predict fire behavior.

Commercial Drone Alliance Calls for Regulatory Clarity and Expanded Counter-UAS Authorities

As more and more public safety agencies recognize the power of drones to enable faster response times, Drone as First Responder (DFR) systems are being adopted by that many more departments.

NASA is working with the wildfire response community to develop new technologies that will enhance aerial firefighting operations, particularly at night. These advancements could enable drones, both remotely piloted and autonomous, to assist in wildfire suppression around the clock, even in low-visibility conditions

As drone incursions at sporting events surge, stadium operators and law enforcement push for Congressional action on counter-UAS measures.

The FAA has designated a "No Drone Zone" for Caesars Superdome in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX on game day, Sunday, Feb. 9 and in the skies around the city's downtown area during the days leading up to the big event.

By integrating data collected from "Meteodrone," the project aims to develop a high-accuracy weather forecasting system. The initiative will improve flight planning and airspace management, particularly in challenging weather conditions.

Jails and prisons in the United States and across the world are facing a growing problem of criminals delivering contraband via drone to inmates. And many officials fear that the weaponization of drones, seen in conflict areas across the globe, could soon become a major problem in nations that are otherwise at peace.

Local, state and federal officials are increasingly calling for changes to current federal law, regarding the ability of facility owners to detect and mitigate unwanted drone incursions. Lawmakers are also demanding that state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTT) law enforcement agencies be granted new authority to interrupt the flight of, or even bring down errant drones that pose a threat to critical infrastructure sites or other significant potential targets.

At the 2024 Energy Drone & Robotics Summit, the Asset Owner Roundtable brought together industry leaders to discuss how drones and robotics are integrating into energy operations

To understand how DAA development is progressing we reached out to Kraettli Epperson, CEO, Vigilant Aerospace Systems, an Oklahoma City-based company.

Technology companies in Los Angeles and Silicon Valley are volunteering their services, including deploying drones equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities "to detect flare-ups and to try to reach new fires as quickly as possible." These vehicles, the news outlet stated, are "capable of getting closer to the flames than humans would be able to safely, can help map the firefight along with satellites."

The recent New Jersey drone panic has made it clear: people want to know what's flying in low altitude airspace.  Why can't we provide the level of clarity demanded?  What's needed to make it happen?  This guest post by MatrixSpace's Dan O'Shea explains the current gaps in airspace awareness technology and infrastructure.

This week DJI, the world's leading drone manufacturer, announced a new policy removing enforcement of its "No Fly Zone" geofences in restricted areas. The sudden shift may lead to more drones hovering where they shouldn't, which could worsen a lingering national panic over flying objects in the sky. 

Utilizing DFR (Drone as First Responder) programs, safety professionals of all types are using the technology to provide everything from better situation awareness to enabling faster response times to reducing risk to personnel. When operating Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), those benefits can be taken to another level, but a recent milestone showcases the true significance of that next level. 

OPEN CALL for Counter Drone Sponsors and Live Demonstrations for the U.S. Military Drone Racing Championship.

City officials should understand that FAA's rules allow for most areas to be open and drones may be flying in closer proximity to buildings, homes and people that the public may expect.

Experts Urge Action to Close Gaps in Airspace Awareness and Empower Local Law Enforcement

There are more than one million drones lawfully registered with the FAA in the United States and there are thousands of commercial, hobbyist and law enforcement drones lawfully in the sky on any given day. With the technology landscape evolving, we expect that number to increase over time.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has signed an agreement with the University of North Dakota to become the next school for the Enhanced Air Traffic – Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. The school will join Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Tulsa Community College and the University of Oklahoma as the first schools to offer the same thorough curriculum and advanced technology offered at the FAA Air Traffic Controller Academy in Oklahoma City. 

Mithril Defense and Texas Legislators Push for UAVs with Pepper Spray to Enhance School Safety Amid Funding Challenges

North Dakota's reliance on Chinese-made drones is under scrutiny, as nearly 90% of drones used by state agencies are manufactured in China. Rep. Mike Nathe, R-Bismarck, has introduced a bill to allocate $15 million to replace these drones.

Drone as First Responder (DFR) system, which is meant to capture data on the origin location of an incident and inform police forces, fire brigades, or rescue organizations going out to the site.

By producing a singular Strategy for Countering Unmanned Systems, the Secretary and the Department are orienting around a common understanding of the challenge and a shared approach to addressing it.

Jeep is looking at ways to integrate drones with its vehicles, as recent patent filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) indicate. One possible use Jeep is looking to patent is off-road spotting. Instead of a person getting out of the vehicle to survey the terrain ahead and direct the driver over the appropriate line through obstacles,

Texas public schools could be guarded by drones armed with pepper spray or Tasers under a new bill filed in the Texas Legislature meant to beef up school security. The measure would boost funding for safety upgrades and let schools deploy drones in place of the armed guards that lawmakers required on every campus in response to the Uvalde school shooting.

ARISE is the latest advancement in autonomous drone swarm technology that will benefit emergency services in Tulsa and beyond. ARISE utilizes artificial intelligence to enhance drone team capabilities for emergency response scenarios. Multiple drones autonomously coordinate and use real-time data integration to analyze the scene and relay information.

How drones used for criminal activity are driving bipartisan calls for expanded detection and mitigation powers.

Drones Prove Effective for Rapid, Real-Time Response in Urban Settings

the need to equip first responders with counter drone technology, training, and authority. 

With the growing number of incidents involving drone flying where and when they shouldn't, local law enforcement agencies and drone security companies are lobbying Congress to pass legislation that would extend the authority to conduct counter-drone measures – currently held by a handful of select federal agencies – to local-level police officials.

In the years since Hurricane Sandy, the city has upgraded its disaster response efforts with the help of drones, which can warn people in low-lying areas of imminent flooding risk, breach storm-damaged buildings to help rescue survivors and conduct post-storm aerial surveys to help assess the extent of the damage.

Leveraging BVLOS and Advanced Imaging, UAS Crews Aid in Damage Assessment and Resource Allocation Across 500 Miles of Affected Roads

Forum will bring together local government leaders to provide timely and strategic advice to the federal government and aviation industry on efforts to integrate advanced air mobility (AAM) like air taxis and drones into U.S. airspace and communities across the country