Krossblade's SkyProwler drone/UAV will be available on Kickstarter from Feb 18, 2015. SkyProwler is a high-performance vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) transformer aircraft. It has a winged configuration, "Blade" and a wingless configuration, "Hornet". Here is a preview video: http://youtu.be/43cwGOmGl0s
One year in prison for daughter of Korean Air's chairman
'Nut rage' case leads to one year in prison for daughter of Korean Air's chairman. She had forced a return to gate at JFK NYC after being served nuts in a bag instead of in a dish. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/12/korean-air-boss-daughter-heather-cho-guilty-breaking-aviation-law-nut-rage
''Drone Shoot-Down'' Bill makes it out of state senate committee in Oklahoma
"Drone Shoot-Down" Bill makes it out of state senate committee in Oklahoma. The law would permit the shooting down of drones over private property. Next step would be a vote in the state senate. Will drone owners be liable if the shooter misses and the bullet returns close to its origin, damaging the land-owners property, or if another property is hit instead of the drone? Will drone owners be liable for damage that the shot/disabled/crashing drone may subsequently cause?http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2015/02/10/385239519/-drone-shoot-down-bill-advances-in-oklahoma
Waiter drones in Singapore
Waiter drones in Singapore. Restaurant responds to staff shortage with use of technology.
Infinium Robotics' drones can carry up to 2kg (4.4lbs) of food and drink - that's about two pints of beer, a pizza, and two glasses of wine.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-31148450
Crash-resistant drone wins 'Drones for Good' competition in Dubai
Crash-resistant drone wins Drones for Good competition in Dubai. Swiss machine uses outer cage to protect against collisions. Possible use in high risk rescue and surveillance operations.
http://edition.cnn.com/2015/02/09/tech/gimball-drones-for-good/index.html
FAA grants 8 more exemptions for commercial drone use
The Federal Aviation Administration has granted 8 more permits for the use of commercial drones. It total it has now granted 24 such exemptions, out of a total 324 applications for permits. Many industry observers believe the restrictions cause the US to lose ground in a very fast growing high tech market, with loss of jobs and tax revenue. Australia, Germany and Canada have together granted hundreds of commercial drone use permits.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/03/us-usa-faa-drones-idUSKBN0L721Y20150203
Flying Millennium Falcon
Maker builds Star Wars Millenium Falcon quadcopter. Model includes stardrive lights.
http://makezine.com/2015/02/04/watch-then-build-this-millennium-falcon-quadcopter/
BBC journalists fly drones into no-fly zone over Davos
BBC journalists in slight trouble for flying drones into no-fly zone over Davos. http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/feb/02/three-bbc-journalists-questioned-drone-no-fly-zone-davos
Interesting article on drone commercialization and regulations
For those interested in commercial applications of drones, here is an interesting article by Greg McNeal on Forbes.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/gregorymcneal/2015/01/31/how-will-faa-drone-regulations-impact-small-businesses/
Ballistic parachute saves pilot
Pilot deploys ballistic parachute to survive after his airplane runs out of fuel. Nice video!
Russian military planes flying near UK airspace
Two Russian Tu-95 Bear H aircraft were 'escorted' by RAF fighters.
Drone crashed on White House piloted by government employee
Drone crashed on White House lawn was piloted by drunk government employee, who then lost control of it.
Drone found on White House
Drones for agriculture/food production use
Drones to massively benefit agriculture/food production. Farmer and ranchers are eagerly awaiting the ability to use drones commercially on their land.
Drone Pilot settles with FAA over video flight
UAV pilot who was originally fined USD 10,000 for drone flying, settles for USD 1,100. No guilt admitted.
http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Drone-Pilot-Settles-With-FAA-Over-Video-Flight223441-1.html
Drone crashes at Mexico border
Another use for drones: drug smuggling. And a further use: Shooting down drug smuggling drones?
http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Drug-Smuggling-Drone-Crashes-at-Mexico-Border223437-1.html
Drones for construction work
UAVs/drones to be used for construction work?
http://www.suasnews.com/2015/01/33941/drones-next-job-construction-work/
Fly carrefully, please!
It looks like the crashed Air Asia plane stalled after ascending too rapidly. When flying UAVs/drones, stalls can get expensive; but when flying manned aircraft, stalls can get deadly. Fly carefully please.
Lower oil prices pose some challenges for aircraft market
Lower jet fuel prices shake up aircraft market. Orix Aviation says value of aircraft now in service is on rise.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/lower-jet-fuel-prices-shake-up-aircraft-market-1421676374
SpaceX launches ISS resupply mission
SpaceX launches fifth cargo resupply mission to the ISS.
http://aviationweek.com/space/spacex-launches-fifth-cargo-resupply-mission-iss