Flying Drones Legally Gets Easier in Much of the U.S. Today

[DooKey]

The FAA has rolled out a new application that allows drone operators to get permission to fly in restricted airspace in a matter of seconds. The old process could take weeks and this prevented many operators from even trying to use drones in these areas. The new application is called LAANC, or low altitude authorization and notification capability, and it breaks the restricted airspace down into squares. You just select the square or squares you need clearance in then automated permission comes back. This is a nice capability the FAA is giving drone operators. I guess the government doesn't screw up all the time.

These and other operations have been nearly impossible, however, in restricted airspace around airports. Five-mile no-fly zones extend far outward from runways, well into urban and suburban areas. Even farther out, regulations require getting written permission from the FAA, a process that could take weeks. “They took so long to get, we would just [tell clients] we can’t fly there,” says Dan Burton, the founder of DroneBase.

 

[Lizard Testes]

I live 4.9 miles from an airport and have a little DJI Spark, so this is pretty cool, assuming it works.

 

[KarsusTG]

My brother is getting into drone surveying and has been using this for a few weeks now. It's starting here in the DFW / SW region and progressing out. My server has stopped folding because it's just been processing orthomosaic maps and 3d stuff almost continuously

 

[kju1]

I guess the government doesn't screw up all the time.

Nope, just the majority of the time.

 

[panhead]

Nope, just the majority of the time.

I find this attitude disgusting and exactly what corporate Amerika wants. Our forefathers created a system of government that is unrivaled and if the current government is corrupt or incompetent then it is our duty as US citizens to elect new honest, competent representatives.

 

[kju1]

I find this attitude disgusting and exactly what corporate Amerika wants. Our forefathers created a system of government that is unrivaled and if the current government is corrupt or incompetent then it is our duty as US citizens to elect new honest, competent representatives.

Good for you. I work for the government. I know how bad things can be.

 

[britjh22]

Good for you. I work for the government. I know how bad things can be.

And I work in the private sector, and see stupidity, lazyness, and bad decisions as well. Perhaps the common factor isn't public vs. private, but people.

 

[panhead]

And I work in the private sector, and see stupidity, lazyness, and bad decisions as well. Perhaps the common factor isn't public vs. private, but people.

Bingo! Individuals not held accountable, not the system of government.

 

[kju1]

And I work in the private sector, and see stupidity, lazyness, and bad decisions as well. Perhaps the common factor isn't public vs. private, but people.

No shit really? I never said the system was wrong.