The CAA has reviewed the reference proposed airworthiness criteria and would offer a number of high-level comments on the FAA approach. The CAA has decided to not submit detailed comments on the draft criteria, as there is a fundamentally different safety approach that FAA is proposing, relative to that which the CAA considers appropriate, for this new class of aircraft and its intended operations. The CAA agrees that the Joby model JAS4-1 represents a new class of aircraft with powered lift capability, that incorporates characteristics from both conventional and rotary wing flight, but also introduces new flight and handling characteristics. As such the CAA agrees that the existing airworthiness standards are not adequate and new standards are needed, which may draw on existing material, but which will also incorporate new material. In this regard, the CAA decided to adopt the SC.VTOL standards published by EASA, and which CAA helped to develop prior to the UK exit from the EU. The CA...

Did you know that there are more than 130 billion packages delivered globally, and that figure is expected to double by 2025?* The sheer volume of deliveries is causing many challenges in the logistics industry, which affect cost, time to deliver and leave an impact on the environment. blueflite is changing this by creating a future where drones enable sustainable logistics that are safer, more cost-effective and make the world a better place. Through patented delivery drones, proprietary logistics software, and an intelligent in-flight control algorithm, blueflite provides a unique approach for the rapidly growing logistics industry. As drone systems are being increasingly adopted, the current $8.5 billion market for this technology is expected to see substantial growth with an impressive 23.23% CAGR. Amidst this already booming industry, the cargo drone delivery sector specifically is expected to approach an inflection point in the near future, according to Morgan Stanley and McKinse...

Airobotics Shareholders Approved the Proposed Acquisition on December 18, 2022 Received Approval for Dual Listing on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Upon Closing of Proposed Acquisition Proposed Acquisition on Track to Close by the End of January 2023 Ondas Holdings Inc . (Nasdaq:ONDS) (“Ondas” or the “Company”), a leading provider of private wireless, drone and automated data solutions through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Ondas Networks Inc. (“Ondas Networks”) and American Robotics, Inc. (“American Robotics” or “AR”), announced today that on December 18, 2022 the shareholders of  AIRBOTICS Ltd.  (AIRO) (“Airobotics”) approved the proposed acquisition of Airobotics by Ondas. The transaction is expected to close by the end of January 2023 and will result in Airobotics becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Ondas. In addition, the Company received approval from the Israel Securities Authority (“ISA”) and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (“TASE”) for its dual listing application. Upon cl...

Hollywood is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States bar none. What drone pilot wouldn’t dream of taking their own unique footage of the esteemed Hollywood sign? Are drones even allowed in Tinseltown? You can’t fly a drone in Hollywood, including near or around the famed Hollywood sign. Drones are allowed in other parts of Los Angeles but are required to follow federal, state, and local guidelines when flying. Keep reading for more information so you can get your aspirations of flying a drone around the Hollywood sign in check. We’ll even go over California’s most pertinent drone laws, so you won’t want to miss it! Can you fly a drone in Hollywood, including the famous Hollywood sign? We’ve all seen the Hollywood sign in countless films and television shows, but nothing beats seeing it in person with your own two eyes. Well, except maybe for commemorating the occasion forever by taking a photo or video (or dozens) using your drone. Unfortunately, you cannot do ...

Is there a more beautiful place in the world than Florence, Italy?  To many, the answer is no. As the capital of Tuscany, Florence features such breathtaking sights as the Duomo, the famous David sculpture by Michelangelo, and The Birth of Venus. Are you allowed to fly your drone in Florence, Italy? Flying a drone in Italy as a whole is legal, which should extend to Florence as well. Always follow the guidelines of the Italian Civil Aviation Authority when flying and don’t get too near to Florence’s beloved architecture. Ahead, we’ll talk further about Florence’s drone laws and then delve deeply into all the ins and outs of ENAC’s regulations so you don’t accidentally violate any. This guide will be full of useful information for your Italian vacation or business trip, so make sure you keep reading! Can you fly a drone in Florence, Italy? Let’s dive right in with that most burning question. Are drones allowed in Italy, including Florence (or Firenze, as the locals call...

Just in time for the holidays, DJI has released yet another drone to its impressive line-up, DJI Mini 3, not to be confused with the DJI Mini 3 Pro. As a successor to the Mini 2, the Mini 3 sits comfortably between the Mini 2 and the Mini 3 Pro, omitting a few of the pro features the Mini 3 Pro has while retaining the performance and aesthetics of the Pro. The accessories that either protect the DJI Mini 3 or enhance its usability include the DJI Mini 3 and DJI Mini 3 Pro 2-way charging hub, additional batteries, DJI 30W USB-C charger, protective case, ND filters, after-market gimbal guard, prop guards, and SD Cards, just to name a few. If you have or will be receiving a DJI Mini 3, you just might find some of these accessories useful. DJI 30W USB-C Charger It looks like DJI went the Apple route in regard to adding chargers in the box with the Mini 3’s. Just like Apple, DJI has included the USB-C cable to charge the drone, however, they have omitted the actual charger , in...

EASA has received a number of requests for the type certification of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, which differ from conventional rotorcraft or fixed-wing aircraft. In the absence of suitable certification specifications for the type certification of this type of product, a complete set of dedicated technical specifications in the form of a Special Condition for VTOL aircraft was developed. The Special Condition addresses the unique characteristics of these products and prescribes airworthiness standards for the issuance of a type certificate, and changes to this type certificate, for a person-carrying VTOL aircraft in the small category, with lift/thrust units that are used to generate powered lift and control. This Special Condition was subject to a public consultation process and finally issued by EASA in July 2019. The Special Condition VTOL establishes the safety and design objectives. This approach, previously utilised for the development of CS-23 Amendment 5, is...