B-45 Tornado

The United States and Germany were the pioneers of aircraft during World War 2, including innovations with an incredible arsenal of weapon systems. As the war drew close to the end, the Luftwaffe launched the first jet-powered bomber, the Arado Ar 234, in a last effort to turn the tide of the war.

The Americans immediately began to work on a bomber with similar capabilities. The B45 Tornado was produced by North American Aviation, but the war ended before their prototype was tested in combat. Still, it would eventually achieve several firsts during its operational service.

The B45 was the first four-engine jet bomber to fly, and the first to refuel in mid-air. It was also the first jet bomber to enter service with the United States Air Force, and the first capable of carrying a nuclear weapon. Incidentally, it was also the first jet bomber to be successfully shot down by a jet fighter…

The B-45 originated from a wartime initiative launched by the U.S. War Department, which sought a company to develop a jet-propelled bomber to equal those being fielded by Nazi Germany, such as the Arado Ar 234. Following a competitive review of the submissions, the War Department issued a contract to North American to develop its NA-130 proposal; on 8 September 1944, work commenced on the assembly of three prototypes. Progress on the program was stalled by post-war cutbacks in defense expenditure, but regained importance due to growing tensions between America and the Soviet Union. On 2 January 1947, North American received a production contract for the bomber designated B-45A, from the USAF. On 24 February 1947, the prototype performed its maiden flight.

A USAF B-45C Tornado in flight

Soon after its entry to service on 22 April 1948, B-45 operations were troubled by technical problems, in particular poor engine reliability. The USAF found the plane to be useful during the Korean War performing both conventional bombing and aerial reconnaissance missions. On 4 December 1950, the first successful interception of a jet bomber by a jet fighter occurred when a B-45 was shot down by a Soviet-built MiG-15 inside Chinese airspace. During the early 1950s, forty B-45s were extensively modified so that they could be equipped with nuclear weapons. Improvements were made to their defensive systems and the fuel tankage was expanded to increase their survivability and range.

Cutaway view of XB-45. Note the intended radar-sighted tail gun position, later replaced by a conventional manned position

In its heyday, the B-45 was important to United States defense strategy, performing the strategically critical deterrence mission for several years during the early 1950s, after which the Tornado was superseded by the larger and more capable Boeing B-47 Stratojet. Both B-45 bombers and reconnaissance RB-45s served in the USAF’s Strategic Air Command from 1950 until 1959, when the USAF withdrew the last ones in favor of the Convair B-58 Hustler, an early supersonic bomber. The Tornado was also adopted by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and operated from bases in United Kingdom, where it was used to overfly the Soviet Union on intelligence-related missions. The RAF operated the type until it had introduced its own indigenously developed jet bomber fleet in the form of the English Electric Canberra.

Top Photo: North American RB-45C

Sources: Wikipedia; YouTube

 

The Air League – Drone Scholarships

Drone Scholarships, supported by Eagle Eye Innovations Ltd, are still open for applications!

8 Scholars will receive a day course which will culminate in the awarding of an A2 CofC certificate, allowing a drone operator to fly a drone close to people. This could be the first step in your career as an RPAS operator! The RPAS industry is one of the fastest growing industries, present across the world working in a variety of areas.

Examples of RPAS operators’ missions are:
– Security surveillance;
– Emergency response, including search and rescue (SAR);
– Broadcast of information in remote areas;
– Small package and bulk cargo transport;
– Visual, spectral and thermal examination of structures;
– Monitoring of railway tracks, power lines and pipelines;
– Photography, videography and cinematography;
– Agricultural fertiliser and chemical application;
– Aircraft external maintenance inspection;
– Atmospheric research of global warming effects.

Interested? You have nothing to lose, apply now before applications close on Sunday 11th June! You must an Air League member and a UK Citizen.

APPLY HERE https://lnkd.in/evCjj4ge

DJI ban timeline – Chinese drone ban benefits American drone company Skyfish

Until recently, Communist Chinese drone company Da-Jiang Innovations (DJI) was the leading drone maker flying over American skies and had captured over 75% of the U.S. domestic drone market.

However, DJI is now considered a national security threat by the Department of Defense and many U.S. lawmakers. Recently, the U.S. federal government banned the purchase of Chinese drones within the federal sector.

As a result, DJI’s market share is falling, and American drone manufacturers, like Skyfish are gaining momentum.

Chinese drones flying in American skies were officially recognized as a national security threat when the Department of the Navy Memorandum titled “Operation Risks with Regards to DJI Family of Products” cited several risks and urged for a “thorough study of the cyber vulnerabilities of these systems”: https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/document/19804-national-security-archive-department-navy. This national security threat is further evidenced by the mysterious Chinese spy balloon that was recently shot down and according to an analysis of the wreckage was used for spying on various American sites and infrastructure.

Since the Chinese (DJI) formal ban has come into effect, Skyfish has seen a definite uptick in Federal and State business and interest.

“We have seen an increase in government business, with many agencies looking to end-of-life their DJI drone program and replace it with American-made drones. Fortunately, Skyfish is NDAA compliant and can take advantage of this market momentum as we sell commercial models very comparable to the DJI larger format drones,” said Dr. Orest Pilskalns, CEO, Skyfish.

He continued, “DJI has tens of thousands of drones that need replacement, this Federal ban of DJI is a good news story for NDAA compliant, American drone manufacturers like Skyfish and will have a positive impact on the American drone industry for many years to come.

Finally, we want to thank both sides of the aisle for the bipartisan support for banning Chinese drones.”

About Skyfish — The Leading Engineering-Grade Drone Platform
Founded by mapping technology pioneer Dr. Orest Pilskalns, Skyfish drones are made in America and NDAA compliant. Skyfish.ai is headquartered in beautiful Stevensville, Montana, creating a local thriving community of mapping, modeling, and radar technology specialists. The company’s full (UAS) technology stack, autonomous navigation platform, and precision measurement capability are mission built for engineering use cases and critical infrastructure targets requiring highly accurate inspection, measurement, and analysis.

Contact www.skyfish.ai for more info.

AeroVironment – Flight Test Manager

For over 50 years, AeroVironment has been a leader in advanced technologies and diverse innovations that have redefined how the world drives, flies, and connects.

If you thrive on a culture of relentless problem-solving and invention and want to work for a global front-runner where you tackle real-world challenges, then AeroVironment is the place for you.

Come join our group of innovative thinkers and discover how collaborative efforts produce extraordinary products that touch lives around the world. You can be a part of the team that developed these firsts: a controlled human-powered aircraft, the modern consumer electric car, a tiny hummingbird-like drone and a helicopter that flew on Mars. We also set flight records in near-space with our solar-powered aircraft, and we re-shaped the battlefield with portable, hand-held, tactical drones and loitering munitions. We have cemented our reputation around the world and in record books as unrivaled technological pioneers, including seven innovative vehicles in the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

While engineering for the future is what we do, we are ever-mindful of our strong commitment to purpose — to secure lives and advance sustainability through transformative innovation. The products and solutions we provide our customers help to save lives and contribute to a more sustainable environment.

Join us to help push beyond the realm of the possible with such future-defining technologies as robotics, sensors, software analytics and connectivity to generate ever-more meaningful actionable intelligence for our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

Summary

The Flight Test Manager leads the Flight Test team for testing of the HAPS system.

Position Responsibilities

  • Develop System Test Plans for air vehicle, execute simulator and flight tests, and document test results
  • Determine and communicate flight test objectives.
  • Develop test cards that meet flight test objectives
  • Review System Requirement documents to help ensure requirements are concise and testable
  • Supports system certification test planning and execution
  • Lead flight readiness reviews, test briefs, and post-test debriefs for sub-scale and full-scale air vehicles
  • Coordinate flight and ground crews for ground and flight test events
  • Ensure test assets are prepared to support testing, including proper configuration of product hardware and software, writing test cards and procedures, and maintaining test equipment
  • Details test activities and ensures documentation of test failures or anomalies in an issue tracking system database
  • Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors
  • Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions, receiving little instruction on day-to-day work
  • Prepares detailed post flight test reporting and is required to report, follow, and ensure adherence to all safety protocols
  • Provides pertinent feedback to various department personnel on observed aircraft performance
  • Performs flight demonstrations (coordinates equipment, planning, travel, etc.)
  • Responsible for acceptance quality control (“QC”) system testing before flight test and after flight test
  • Responsible for checking in and out flight test-owned equipment
  • Analyzes and solves problems that develop during flight testing
  • Works on assignments requiring considerable judgment and initiative. Exhibits understanding of implications of work and makes recommendations for solutions
  • Coordinates flight test sites, airspace, frequency use etc.
  • Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

  • Prior Military and Aviation experience
  • High School diploma or GED equivalent
  • 10+ years of relevant work experience is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
  • Relevant experience with large Unmanned Aircraft Systems
  • Requires intermediate to advanced computer operation skills, including familiarity with MS Word and Excel
  • Understanding of the functionality of major aircraft sub-systems and avionics
  • Strong communication skills, including documenting plans, procedures, and reports; verbally directing UAV Operators and Observers during flight tests; capturing system test requirements; recording test failures; and reporting test results
  • Ability to troubleshoot test failures
  • Able to work overtime and weekends as needed
  • Able to travel (frequent)
  • Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties oneself, others, and the company
  • Demonstrates effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal, team leadership and communication skills
  • Consistently demonstrates teamwork, collaboration and prioritizes the success of the team

Physical Demands

  • Able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and traverse across uneven ground and varying terrain (Frequent)
  • Able to lift and/or move objects of varying sizes and shapes up to 50 lbs. (Frequent)
  • Required to stand and/or sit for long periods of time (Constant)
  • Able to maintain visual line of sight of unmanned air vehicles up to 1 kilometer away (Frequent)
  • Climbing, stooping, kneeling, feeling, overhead lifting (Occasional)

The Salary Range For This Role Is

$106,560 – $159,840

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR

  • 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

AeroVironment Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer, M/F/D/V and works in compliance with both federal and state laws. We are committed to the concept regarding Equal Employment opportunity. Qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition nor disability, genetics, veteran and all others that may apply.

ITAR

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.

Apply here

DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations expands operations in South East Asia

DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations Limited, an Indian drone service provider and DGCA – certified drone
pilot training organization, is commencing operations in Thailand, in association with the Asian Institute
of Technology (AIT). The partnership will pave the way for the company into the Southeast Asian
market. The primary goal of the collaboration with AIT is to co-develop projects involving Drones and
GIS in Thailand and the surrounding countries.

DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations signed an MOU with Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand,
attended by Prateek Srivastava – Founder & MD and Marcia Chen – Sr. Manager – BD & Sales from
DroneAcharya, and Prof. Dieter Trau – Dean of School of Engineering and Technology & Director of AIT
Entrepreneurship Center and Ranadheer Mandadi – Program Officer From Special Degree Program
Office from AIT.

While DroneAcharya’s initial focus is on the Indian market, the company will also be expanding into
other countries, including the Middle East, the United States, Central Asia as well as Southeast Asia. As
part of its strategy to expand across Europe and capture the market there, DroneAcharya is introducing
a series of training courses centred on drones. Moreover, DroneAcharya is India’s First Drone Start –
up to be listed on the BSE SME platform.

Drones are becoming increasingly integral to the optimization of operations across a wide range of
businesses. Together with AI, the data they collect and analyze from a bird’s-eye view are transforming
the ways in which businesses examine, survey, and map the ground, buildings, and crops below. The
worldwide Drone market was worth $11.45 billion in 2016, and it is projected to reach $51.85 billion by 2025.

It’s clear from these figures that the Southeast area, along with other countries in the world, has
enormous growth potential. In nations like Thailand, there is a huge potential for expansion in terms of
GIS, Development, AI / ML, Drones etc. The projects carried out in partnership will generate
employment for Drone pilots, GIS experts, Engineers, and GIS Developers.

“Drones and geographic information systems (GIS) are two examples of cutting-edge technologies
finding widespread use across a number of sectors. By providing limitless new opportunities from
previously unfeasible viewpoints, they are revolutionizing the old methods. DroneAcharya and AIT are
teaming together to break into the Thai and Southeast Asian markets with a drone and GIS-related co-
development projects. We are planning to launch shortly and have some initiatives in the works.” says
Prateek Srivastava, Managing Director at DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations Limited.

Moving AAM Forward

Raytheon Intelligence & Space is fielding multiple innovations while embracing thought leadership and enterprise solutions.

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aims to incorporate next-generation aircraft, including optionally piloted and uncrewed aircraft systems, into an already complex air transport system. These operations will safely and efficiently move both people and cargo, including within constrained urban spaces.

Raytheon Intelligence & Space (RIS), a Raytheon Technologies business, is developing advanced multi-mode surveillance, secure network architectures and precision navigation systems—powered by data, automation, analytics and advanced cloud-based software— to deliver disruptive technologies its customers need to succeed in any domain, against any challenge.

One effort is enabling both Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) and AAM.

Raytheon Technologies is leveraging the full capability and strengths of its 174,000-employees and experience in the aerospace defense industry.

“We have exquisite defense and civil capabilities that can be brought to bear,” said Elizabeth Soltys, RI&S director of Advanced Air Mobility/Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Traffic Management Global Campaign.

SOLTYS REFLECTS ON THE PAST DECADE

In 2012, Congress enacted the FAA’s Modernization and Reform Act with industry experts thinking this was it, the time for change, and NASA went full steam ahead on its UTM campaign. They brought the community together. They conceptualized an airspace that could be accessed by all.

This new architecture requires bolstering cybersecurity; ensuring fair and equitable airspace access; transitioning a flight plan to and from an actively managed airspace; transitioning to different UAS Service Suppliers and Supplemental Data Service Providers and the patchwork it would create; recognizing battery life concerns; taking into account supply chain issues; obviating persistent threats — and the list goes on.

With the influx of AAM/UTM, the management of airspace will most assuredly change.

Over the past 10 years, the FAA has moved out with two formidable rules—Part 107 and Remote ID (which has not yet been instantiated). And they are working on the golden ticket of BVLOS—integration of UAS not segregation. This will forge means to monetize flight operations and infrastructure investments.

Generally, the cost of UTM flights (derived from various publicly available doctrine) has an inconsequential range—from cents to a few dollars per flight. But what has still come to bear is infrastructure, including ground-based surveillance, communications, navigation and cybersecurity.

As cyber threats have escalated over the past decade, federal security agencies are working to ensure the FAA’s future uncrewed rules consider the U.S. security posture relative to operational security and cyber warfare.

THE FAA AND INDUSTRY

“I have great esteem for the FAA,” Soltys said about her former employer. “The FAA delivers the world’s safest airspace, a model that is the gold standard in the world. The problem is that legislation hasn’t caught up. Drone integration is far more demanding than other complex efforts such as the 20-plus year integration effort of Reduced Vertical Separation Minima—and we’re only 10 years into navigating UAS integration.”

FORWARD MOTION

“We are currently developing enterprise solutions, including the Skyler radar and weather sensor, and electro optic infrared and acoustic sensors—a full suite of capabilities across Raytheon Technologies,” Soltys said.

Last year, Raytheon Technologies invested $7.2 billion on research and development. According to Soltys, a portion of this investment went to the development of technologies that will support civil drone expansion.

Image courtesey of Raytheon Technologies.




DroneAcharya partners with Microavia to bring world-class technology to India
DroneAcharya partners with Microavia to bring world-class technology to India

DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations Limited has partnered with Dubai-based drone manufacturer Microavia to add aerial robotic platforms and related products for autonomous flight to its offerings. The Indian company is a drone service provider and DGCA-certified drone pilot training organization, having trained more than 150 drone pilots within 6 months.

“In the past, we have been focusing on drone and data-driven services and providing customized solutions for different industries. Having established ourselves as one of the most recommended drone training organizations in India, partnering with a global company that has tried and tested robust drone hardware is the next step in the growth of DroneAcharya as a complete drone solution provider”, says Prateek Srivastava, Founder & Managing Director at DroneAcharya.

Microavia designs and engineers aerial robotic platforms, inflight electronics, and flight management
software. The company is headquartered in the UAE and has fully localised its manufacturing cycle for
hardware and software components. The product portfolio includes drone-in-a-box, multirotor platforms for autonomous use, as well as payloads, advanced fleet management software and positioning systems. With its open architecture and versatility by design, Microavia provides a choice of standard and bespoke
configurations for partners and customers alike.

“At Microavia we have always believed that the Indian market has enormous potential for drones in
military and public safety, infrastructure management, and monitoring of remote areas. At the same time, the country’s focus on setting up localized manufacturing as per the “Make in India” strategy provides an
enormous boost and a competitive edge to indigenous and adventitious companies alike. We also endorse the growing awareness of the critical importance of drone-tech adoption among the Indian industrial leaders in both enterprise and SMB segments. We’re looking forward to exploring business opportunities with DroneAcharya, and setting up manufacturing in India”, Alex Lapirov, CEO at Microavia.

How to Become a Commercial Drone Pilot (in 7 Easy Steps)
How to Become a Commercial Drone Pilot (in 7 Easy Steps)

Aerial drone technology is arguably one of the world’s most interesting innovations of the past 10 years.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are being used for delivering supplies and products, photography and video, structural inspection, land surveying, and facility surveillance – just to name a few.

As the opportunities grow, so do the number of commercial drone pilots ready to take advantage of them; and can you blame them?

Making a career out of flying drones is exciting as those lucky enough to do it get to see the world from an angle most people will never see on their own.

The question is, “how does one become a commercial drone pilot?”

Simply put, a person becomes a commercial drone pilot (in the United States) when they obtain a Part 107 Certification.

This is done by scheduling an appointment at your nearest Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) testing center, taking the Part 107 Initial Knowledge Test, and passing it with a score of 70 percent or higher.

Sounds easy?

Well, a little more goes into it than that, and this article will break down the process of becoming a commercial drone pilot as easily as possible.

1. Purchase A Drone

Understanding what you want to do as a commercial drone pilot will help to dictate what kind of drone will be required for effective workflow.

There are many different varieties of drones, with the most popular being photography and video recording drones from companies like Autel and DJI.

However, if you plan on doing more mapping and inspection work with your drone than any other application, you may be enticed by Skydio’s drone platforms which have first-class automated flight modes, data-gathering, and mapping and inspection solutions. 

No matter what avenue you decide to take, remember that every drone is different, and research into what platforms will best suit your needs will be necessary.

2. Learn to Fly Your Drone

Flying a drone is not a terribly difficult thing to learn how to do. However, learning to do it well can pose a challenge to even the most dexterous of us.

Many of the existing Ready-to-Fly (RTF) GPS drone platforms like those from Autel, DJI, Skydio, and Parrot have a shallow learning curve as the drones are programmed to hold position using GPS.

This means that even if you put the controller down mid-flight, the drone will hold its spot in the air within inches in any given direction.

They are reliable and very easy to learn from a beginner onward.

Where it becomes difficult to fly RTF GPS drones is doing it smoothly and without a panicked “herky-jerky” feel as you maneuver three-dimensional space with your UAV.

More on that in a moment…

Aside from RTF GPS drones, there are First Person View (FPV)-style drones that require much more manual input from the remote pilot and do not have all the same safety features of their RTF GPS counterparts.

A pilot flying an FPV-style drone is responsible for maintaining altitude and positioning manually and does not typically have access to obstacle avoidance systems or multiple flight modes.

It takes a very steady hand and an understanding of the finer points of remote piloting such as pitch, yaw, roll, and thrust and how all those things play together to become a proficient FPV pilot.

There are academies and flight schools available via brick-and-mortar locations as well as digitally that can help you conquer whatever type of flying you decide to tackle at a fairly reasonable price.

You may also go the old-fashioned route of trial-and-error in your backyard – whatever feels most comfortable for you.

3. Practice How You Intend Flying Commercially

It’s one thing to learn how to fly your drone, it’s another to know how it needs to be flown.

For instance, if you are flying to collect multimedia such as photos and video for production projects, it will be important to understand how to fly your drone (no matter whether it is RTF GPS or FPV) in a way that lends itself to a cinematic or creative aesthetic.

If you are flying your drone to collect data for the purposes of mapping or structural inspection and analysis, it may not be abundantly necessary to fly your drone smoothly or in a cinematic fashion.

But you will almost certainly be faced with a variety of situations where flying in cramped, high-traffic areas will be necessary to completing your job.

The bottom line is once you learn the basics of flying your drone, home in on flying it well as it relates to its intended purpose.

People pay commercial drone pilots because they have learned to fly at a level that is more professional than the average pilot and the work they produce as a result is high-quality.

If you cannot learn to fly to deliver professional results, you will not be in business for very long.

4. Study Part 107 Materials

The FAA recommends that each pilot dedicate approximately 20-hours of study time to prepare for the Part 107 Initial Knowledge Examination.

The material covered in this time should include the following subject matter in order:

  1. Sectional Charts
  2. METARs & TAFs
  3. Operational Rules for Flying Over People and at Night
  4. General Operational Rules for Remote Flight

Sectional charts and METARs and TAFs are becoming largely obsolete for remote pilots with the inception of mobile applications such as Aloft, B4UFly, and OpenSky.

But they do make up a significant portion of the Initial Knowledge Test and are therefore worth studying ahead of your exam date.

The next most important section is understanding the rules for flying over people and at night. As of 2021 the FAA has deemed certain UAVs acceptable for flight over crowds of people under certain conditions.

In the same breath, the FAA also eliminated the need for Part 107 pilots to apply for night-time flight exception waivers by providing a criterion for safely mitigated flights between sunset and sunrise.

The rules you will most often reference while out in the field will be regarding controlled airspace authorizations and general operational rules for remote flight.

These topics also make up a large portion of the subject matter covered during the test, so making sure you understand the rules and their nuances will be crucial to success.

5. Schedule Your Part 107 Examination

Now that you have purchased your drone, learned how to fly it, fine-tuned your flight skills, and have studied for the Part 107 Initial Knowledge Test, it’s time to schedule your exam date.

When preparing to schedule your exam, you should first obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by going to the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) and creating an airman profile prior to registering for an exam date.

Once you have received your FTN, it’s time to schedule your exam appointment with an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. 

6. Take the Part 107 Initial Knowledge Test

Short, sweet, and to-the-point. You have done everything necessary to adequately prepare for obtaining your Part 107 certification.

Now it’s time to take the Part 107 Initial Knowledge Test.

The test contains 60 questions, and you will have 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete it. You must answer at least 70-percent of the test questions correctly to pass the exam.

Cell phones are prohibited during the exam period, and you are generally not permitted to take bathroom breaks while the test is being administered.

Any questions about accessibility or inclusivity exemptions/exceptions should be directed to the FAA testing center you choose ahead of the test date.

Note: You will need to bring a number two pencil, calculator, and a government-issued photo ID to your testing appointment.

7. Begin Flying Your Drone Commercially

You did it! You passed the Part 107 Initial Knowledge Test and have earned your Part 107 certificate.

Now what? In a few short weeks you will receive your Part 107 license card in the mail.

You will need to have this on your person any time you conduct a commercial flight operation. In the meantime, you will be emailed a temporary Part 107 certificate that you should print out and keep with you until your card arrives in the mail.

If you haven’t already, remember to go to the FAA Drone Zone to register your UAV(s) as a Part 107 aircraft.

It’s finally time to fly your drone for direct monetary payments and/or in furtherance of a business or organization. Now that you are a commercially licensed remote pilot, the sky is the limit (pun intended) on monetizing your hobby.

By following these 7 easy steps, you can quickly become a commercial drone pilot and begin flying your UAV in furtherance of a business.

Remember, flying a drone commercially can only be done after obtaining your Part 107 certification. Do not attempt to fly a drone commercially until you have passed your Part 107 Initial Knowledge Test.

The Part 107 certification is valid for 24 months at a time. After 24 months, the remote pilot must go online to FAA.org to take the Part 107 Recurrent Knowledge Test to renew the Part 107 certification for another 24-month period.

Indian Startup DroneAcharya Joins DLE - sUAS News - The Business of Drones
Indian Startup DroneAcharya Joins DLE – sUAS News – The Business of Drones

PUNE, INDIA– Drone Logistics Ecosystem (DLE) is welcoming onboard DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations as its latest member. The Indian government has taken encouraging initiatives in its efforts to transform the country into a Global Drone Hub by 2030 by leveraging all DaaS capabilities, i.e., infrastructure management, smart agriculture, drone delivery and so on. Being a part of the Indian drone ecosystem, DroneAcharya boasts of a team of seasoned individuals emerging from various backgrounds with the aim to ‘Give wings to the Indian Skies.’ Backed by some of the most experienced Drone and GIS Gurus, DroneAcharyans are continuously striving towards training and bringing in innovative solutions for every industry. As DroneAcharya explores different types of hardware and use cases for drone deliveries, AirGo’s DroneBox – an ultralight and sturdy drone supply container developed using superior materials within the aerospace industry, could enable safer and assured deliveries for multiple case studies. DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations has partnered with one of DLE members TSAW Drones to test delivery drones in multiple industries.

“Drone Delivery, once perceived as a futuristic solution, is very much a reality today. From the delivery of vaccines and blood samples to becoming a vital source of hope during rescue missions, this technology has opened multiple doors for optimizing the Unmanned platform exponentially. Having worked in drone mapping and 3D modelling projects in the last few years, DroneAcharya is now testing all applications related to drone delivery with industrial leaders. Their objective is to mobilize businesses to actively use drones in planning, operations, and maintenance projects. “Becoming a part of the Drone Logistics Ecosystem (DLE) will enable DroneAcharya to collaborate with companies all over the world and have access to global technologies, partners, and talent. Being a staunch believer of collaborative and organic growth, DroneAcharya’s vision majorly overlaps with DLE’s way of functioning,” says Prateek Srivastava, Founder and CEO of DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations.

About Drone Logistics Ecosystem™

DLE is a global/virtual network of Companies, Universities, the Public/Governments, and Investors operating in the drone logistics industry. The aim of the DLE is to bring together stakeholders to collaborate to stimulate standardization in this rapidly emerging industry. Hence, accelerating cross-border marketing and commercialization of products and services of its members . Since most of the companies in this industry are early-stage start-ups with limited access to funding, manpower and expertise, DLE is the ideal platform for companies to share their expertise to co-develop products and services and/or acquire necessary cross-border market access in partnership with other members.

In one year, DLE has expanded to include 44 organizations, consisting of 41 companies, 2 universities and world’s largest drone association, Japan UAS Industrial Development Association, across 21 different countries. In a short period of time, we have been able to generate several international proof-of-concept projects with a few commercialization prospects in the pipeline. The pandemic has restricted our movement and DLE has been a great tool for our members to streamline communication and product development. We are in the process to create a commercialization model to help our members reach the market faster in partnership with other members.

Drone News of the Week May 20: DRONELIFE Headlines All in One Place, Read or Listen
Drone News of the Week May 20: DRONELIFE Headlines All in One Place, Read or Listen

drone news of the weekAll of the DRONELIFE headlines and drone news of the week May 13: Watts Innovations, Drone Racing League, American Robotics and more.  Click on the headline to read or listen to the full story.

Continue reading the headlines below, or listen here: 

Aloft Geo Portal Brings FAA Drone Regulations and Local Rules Together for Operators

Drone airspace systems and UTM technologies leader Aloft Technologiesreleased the Aloft Geo Portal, a free tool that brings together FAA airspace rules and local ground rules for drone operations nationwide.

New submissions will gradually be published during the portal’s first phase, with the first set expected to publish in June. Essential for all drone flight, access to a reliable data set covering all air and ground requirements is especially crucial for the future of drone delivery and air taxi use cases.

Ondas Holdings Inc., through its subsidiaries, Ondas Networks and American Robotics (“AR”), is a provider of private wireless, drone, and automated data solutions. The company announced its first quarter results on May 11, 2022.

Key figures in the announcement:

  • Revenue for the first quarter was $400k compared to $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
  • Gross margin was 29.8% compared to 52.3% in Q1 2021.
  • Net loss was around $10 million compared to a $3.1 million loss in Q1 2021.
  • Cash balance at the end of March was $32.1 million.

Liteye Wins DoD Contract: $12.1 Million for Counter Drone and Ground Surveillance Systems

Colorado-based Liteye Systems, Inc. has won a $12.1M, multi-year contract with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) “to provide its entire portfolio of integrated multi-domain, multi-mission Air Base Surface and Ground Defense systems, including Counter UAS (C-UAS) solutions,” says a company announcement.

As the commercial drone industry expands and the number of drones in the airspace increases, government and civil agencies have prioritized the implementation of counter drone systems, commonly referred to as C-UAS.  DoD and other U.S. government agencies have shown increased willingness to partner with commercial technology suppliers rather than building in-house systems, as the Liteye DoD contract demonstrates.

Watts Innovations Drones for Film, Delivery, Inspection and More: US-Based Startups ;Engineering Mindset Pays Off [DL Exclusive]

When Bobby Watts launched Watts Innovations six years ago, he could only imagine that his company, which once offered custom engineering solutions for everyday people, including custom-built toothbrushes and toilet seats, would one day specialize in the manufacture of unmanned aerial systems to service the film industry and other industrial drone users.

Today, the company’s products, which are designed and assembled in the U.S.A. — are used in a number of applications from film and television production, to LiDAR-based surveys and asset inspections for the oil and gas and electric utility industries.

Commercial UAV Expo 2022 Program; Vegas Show is Back, and Bigger than Ever

Commercial UAV Expo is a can’t miss event for the industry – the opportunity to meet, greet, and do business with the biggest players inthe industry, in your business vertical.

Experts from DJI, DroneUp, Elroy Air, FAA, Kiewit, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Skydio, State of Alaska, Sundt Construction, Turner Mining Group, Windover Construction, Wing, Zipline and many other top organizations will share their expertise on a range of topics. Session formats include Keynotes and Visionary Panels, where drone innovators, regulators, and end-users share their expertise and vision and discuss the critical issues facing the industry; Deep-Dive Vertical Market Sessions that offer practical, actionable education for professionals working with UAS in vertical markets including construction, infrastructure, and surveying and mapping; and Industry Update Sessions that provide up-to-the-minute information on topics that affect everyone in UAS, such as AAM, BVLOS, and autonomy.

French Defense Ministry to Use Elistair ORION 2 Tethered Drones

The DGA (French Armament General Directorate) has awarded tethered drone solutions leader Elistair with a framework agreement for the supply of ORION 2 tethered UAVs.

The ORION 2, an automated smart tethered drone, is able to reach a height of 100 m and maintain flight for up to 24 hours at a time. The drone’s tether protects data transfer and guards against jamming and interference. The ORION 2 also successfully passed all of the DGA’s Information Systems Security (ISS) certification tests.

The ORION 2 was selected for the purpose of reinforcing surveillance and observation systems within DGA’s missile test sites. The contract was granted to Elistair in order to fulfill the requirements of DGA EM’s Landes and Mediterranean sites, as well as the Mediterranean and Aquitaine flight test sites of DGA EV (DGA Flight Tests).

U.S. Air Force and Drone Racing League Partner to Celebrate 75th Anniversary and Accelerate Drone Pilot Skills

The U.S. Air Force and Drone Racing League (DRL) share a passionate interest in showcasing drone pilot skills and encouraging new entrants into the drone industry.

Now, the US Air Force and Drone Racing League have partnered to “showcase their mutual commitment to ‘Innovate, Accelerate, and Thrive’”: creating new content, immersive gaming and pilot spotlights from Military Appreciation Month through the 2022-23 DRL Algorand World Championship Season.

Partnering with the Drone Racing League makes the U.S. Air Force look cooler – and that’s the point.  With this partnership, the USAF hopes to reach their next generation of pilots – especially those already skilled drone pilots, says a DRL press release:

American Robotics Reese Mozer on the Many Types of BVLOS Flight: EVLOS, True BVLOS, Automated, and More

BVLOS stands for “Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight”. That phrase refers to where in space a drone is operating in relation to the Pilot In Command, or PIC. This last part is where the confusion begins. In the aviation world, every flight must have a designated Pilot In Command, regardless of whether the aircraft is a Boeing 747 or an $8 micro-drone from the mall. This “PIC” title refers to a very specific individual that is formally granted the authority to fly and ultimately, the responsibility of the safety of the operation.

Why do the FAA and other regulators care about this? For an aircraft to safely operate in the airspace, the PIC has to have some understanding of the state of their own aircraft and where other aircraft are so he or she can avoid them if necessary, and continue to maintain the safety of the operation and the airspace. For the past 100 years, the primary sensor tasked with accomplishing this ‘see and avoid’ capability was the Mark 1 human eye and brain, hence the emphasis on “visual”.

Drone Industry Influencer Randall Warnas Named EVP at Enterprise UAS

Leading enterprise drone distributor Enterprise UAS announced that former Autel Robotics CEO Randall Warnas will be joining their senior management team as Executive Vice President. The parent company of three of the industry’s leading brands in DSLRPros, Dronefly and Aerial Media Pros, this new hiring is part of an effort by Enterprise UAS to further expand its reach in the drone industry.

For the Dark, Dirty and Dangerous, Flyability Elios 3 LiDAR Drone: Check Out this Fly Through a Decommissioned Nuclear Plant

Today, Flyability launched its Elios 3, the first ever collision-tolerant drone equipped with a LiDAR sensor for indoor 3D mapping.

“The Elios 3 has some of the very best stabilization in the world, a modular payload, the ability to create 3D models in real time while in flight, and it paves the way towards an increasingly autonomous future,” said Flyability co-founder and CEO Patrick Thévoz. “For industrial inspections, the Elios 3 is a key enabler of Industry 4.0, presenting an inspection solution that can make inspections safer, more efficient, and less expensive than ever before.”

National Grid Drones: Trialing Automated Corrosion Inspection of Transmission Pylons

National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) is conducting a trial of a system intended to fully automate the capture and processing of corrosion-related condition assessment data. The system, born out of a collaboration with Keen AIand sees.ai, deploys automated drones flown Beyond Visual Line of Sight for the collection of accurate data, which is then processed by artificial intelligence.

NGET periodically assesses its extensive network of steel lattice pylons –  used to carry overhead transmission conductor wires – for corrosion and deterioration. NGET inspects roughly 3,650 steel lattice pylons per year, capturing images from helicopters and manually operated drones, which are then manually processed.

The trial of this new system will allow a fleet of autonomous drones to be piloted nationally with authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority and with supervision by remote operators in a secure Remote Operation Centre.