If you use the words “drone” and “Internet” in the same sentence, you’re likely talking about Amazon. The FAA’s Small UAS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) prohibits any beyond line of sight operations and, furthermore, forbids people “not directly involved in the operation” from participating by flying the drones.
Sky-Futures is a UAV-based data collection company leading in oil and gas applications. “UAV technology is now seen as a staple tool in the inspection tool box for oil and gas companies,” says Sky-Futures Operations Director Chris Blackford.
Explore the May 2015 Issue
Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.
The key enablement satellite brings to drones is safer and more reliable communications, in cities as well as remote areas. Jesse Kallman, head of global business development and regulatory affairs at Airware, shared with Via Satellite the ways the company is creating a comprehensive platform.
“Satellite is going to play a major part in a lot of the very long-range, beyond-line-of-sight operations where there may not be cellular infrastructure,” Kallman says. VS
Chelsea Bryan is a freelance aerospace journalist and former junior editor of Avionics Magazine.
