Drones in Australia (UAV/UAS)

[Flying Binghi]

Pick yer preferred name - Drones, Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV), or Unmanned Air Systems (UAS). Even Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)

CASA calls them UAVs

Development continues apace.

Yamaha has a heavy hauler UAV available for hire. Why caint i buy one...

Good question- and there are several reasons why not.

Firstly international trade in arms agreements place huge restrictions on export, import and ownership of high capability unmanned vehicles.

We have a responsibility to ensure these vehicles stay in responsible hands, that their exact location and usage is always known.

Secondly it allows us to ensure that maintainance, responsible usage and environmental standards are met.



Frequently Asked Questions | Yamaha RMAX (http://rmax.yamaha-motor.com.au/faq#n62)







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[Andy_RR]

The Yamaha RMAX has its roots in the '90s so Japan has been at this for longer than many people. Apparently it was developed in response to a government initiative to improve rice growing productivity in the face of an ageing farmer demographic.

Imagine that! A government being foresighted - at least in one area! It's a pity they can't be consistent about it!

[sprocket check]

I reckon it would be easy enough to stick a few servos and remote control an r22 or one of those home built jobbies if you want to do some damage...

Without any crew and stripped down the payload would be rocking!

[Flying Binghi]

USA news...

FEDERAL regulators in the United States have certified two types of unmanned aircraft for civilian use, a milestone expected to lead to the first approved commercial drone operations later this year.
The Federal Aviation Administration said on Friday the drones are Insitu's Scan Eagle X200 and AeroVironment's PUMA.


Insitu does a lot of Government related Drone operator training in Oz.

Drones approved for civilian use in US | News.com.au (http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/world/drones-approved-for-civilian-use-in-us/story-e6frfkui-1226686762626)








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[Capn Bloggs]

Crikey, next a terrorist will be using one to drop a GPS-guided bomb on Bhinghi's house! :}

[Flying Binghi]

via Capn Bloggs:
Crikey, next a terrorist will be using one to drop a GPS-guided bomb on Bhinghi's house!



Where did yer get that idea from..:)

Real world events perhaps...

Police in Germany have raided dozens of addresses to foil an Islamist terror plot intending to use remote controlled model aircraft filled with explosives to be flown into targets.
Armed officers of the specialist G9G units raided homes in Stuttgart, Munich and Dachau after receiving information that at least one assassination attempt was being planned using the model planes as guided missiles...



German police foil Islamist terror plot to use remote controlled aircraft filled with explosives as guided missiles | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2347946/German-police-foil-Islamist-terror-plot-use-remote-controlled-aircraft-filled-explosives-guided-missiles.html)











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[Flying Binghi]

All for $900...:cool:

Drone GPS system gives positions that are accurate down to single centimetres.


Piksi : The RTK GPS Receiver by Swift Navigation Inc. ? Kickstarter (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/swiftnav/piksi-the-rtk-gps-receiver)









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[poteroo]

Much as we hate to admit it - this technology is going to change the face of aerial work. Industry is looking to cheaper, more efficient, and probably safer, ways to undertake aerial photography of several types, remote sensing of various kinds for agriculture, fire surveillance, traffic surveillance, animal tracking and counting, and others. Not everyone will become licenced for very small UAV's. I'd expect more and more of them to be imported, regardless of any government efforts to prevent it.
happy days,

[duncan_g]

The FAA has just provided type certification for the ScanEagle UAV in the Restricted category. The operating limitations are still pretty onerous, but over time they will reduce.

There is a huge groundswell of 'recreational' UAVs around the world.. just take a look at DIY Drones (http://diydrones.com/) lots of pretty neat innovation going on there.

D.

[Flying Binghi]

Expanding operations...

Franchisees required for unmanned helicopters.

“We’re proud to be releasing this new technology to the Australian agricultural industry,”

“RMAX gives franchisees the opportunity to work closely with Yamaha Motor Australia to build a local business that is both sustainable and profitable.”

To become a franchisee, candidates are required to meet a number of stringent CASA and Chemical Handling qualifications.


Franchisees required for unmanned helicopters - Agriculture - Machinery - General News - Queensland Country Life (http://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/news/agriculture/machinery/general-news/franchisees-required-for-unmanned-helicopters/2668468.aspx)








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[TSRABECOMING]

but the CASA licensing is $$$$ for UAS Operator Certificate :}

[Sunfish]

CASA wil kill this industry stone dead if it can.

The reason? If it frees up UAVs, then there will be a push to free manned aircraft (although not passenger carrying)

[Kharon]

Heh heh, lots of unlicensed drones hanging about over the ACT, blimps, gasbags even the odd Zeplin.......http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/wink2.gif

[Ultralights]

will every UAV pilot require an ASIC?

[Andy_RR]

UAV Outback Challenge Documentary | Channel TEN (http://ten.com.au/watch-tv-episodes-online-documentaries-video.htm?vid=2637310706001)

[Flying Binghi]

Watching the Andy-RR vid i see there is yet another name for them drones... RPAS - Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems

In the vid one crew uses the term UAV, another uses UAS.








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[Flying Binghi]

Some UAV trivia.

In 1915, nearly two decades after patenting the world’s first radio-controlled boat, famed Serbian-America inventor Nicola Tesla imagined fleets of unmanned aerial combat vehicles being sent to war instead of pilots. Little did he know, the US Navy was already hard at work on that very same vision...

Monster Machines: This Failed Flying Bomb Could Have Been A WWI Cruise Missile | Gizmodo Australia (http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2013/09/this-flying-bomb-failure-was-americas-wwi-cruise-missile/)








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[mickjoebill]

A 19 year old model aircraft enthusiast was killed in Calvert Vaux Park in Gravesend, Brooklyn when the blade of a fair size model helicopter inflicted a horrendous injury to his head.

Apparently he was performing stunts at the time in front of his father who ran the model aero club.

Joy turned into horror in a heart beat.



http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-YU509_nyheli_DV_20130905182030.jpg





Mickjoebill

[Wally Mk2]

This sadly is not an uncommon event, well maybe resulting in a death is but these toy heli's are lethal weapons. Much like an unguarded circular saw blade.
I've broken the tips of 3 fingers on one hand destroying the finger nails when my toy heli drifted into me whilst I was briefly looking down at the TX, I took my eyes off the machine for a nano second & the wind did the rest.
These UAV's or whatever the latest craze name is are now everywhere, R/C outlets are stocked to the roof with toy quad copters etc some with amazing features.

Gravity, as soon as they neutralize that then heaven 'elp us!:)

Wmk2

[Flying Binghi]

"Back in July, everybody chuckled a little over Deer Trail, Colorado’s half-baked plan to issue drone hunting licences and pay a bounty to any sharp shooter who bagged a flying robot. Some took the opportunity pretty seriously though, leading to over a thousand applications and..."...
Demand For Drone-Hunting Licences Overwhelms Tiny Town | Gizmodo Australia (http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2013/09/demand-for-drone-hunting-licenses-overwhelms-tiny-colorado-town/)

[Flying Binghi]

Yamaha is certainly looking to establish their market lead...

"...They have been in Australia two years and there are four units in commercial operation,...

...We believe there is enough work in Australia for 50 of these units just with noxious weeds..."


Unmanned aircraft create show buzz - Agriculture - Agribusiness - General News - Queensland Country Life (http://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/news/agriculture/agribusiness/general-news/unmanned-aircraft-create-show-buzz/2671609.aspx)










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[Katoom]

UC Davis Research

UC Davis investigates using helicopter drones for crop dusting (http://www.gizmag.com/uav-crop-dusting/27974/)

[Flying Binghi]

Whoops...

"A mystery drone has crashed into the Sydney Harbour Bridge, causing counter terrorism officers to be alerted and an investigation by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The incident occurred on Wednesday...

...It follows an incident in New York this week where a man was almost hit by a remotely piloted drone when it crash landed in Midtown Manhattan during peak hour..."


Mystery drone collides with Sydney Harbour Bridge (http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/mystery-drone-collides-with-sydney-harbour-bridge-20131004-2uzks.html)










.

[Paragraph377]

Had to happen sooner or later? Although it is a very very clever idea, I am mortally concerned about how many of these things are going to be flying around in the very near future and the potential safety risks they are going to cause? As reported in this thread they have already been spotted around LAX, one was found smashed below the Sydney Harbor bridge, what next, one embedded in the skull of a 3 year old riding her bike near a park?
Proper controls need to be put in place.

Yahoo! Finance (http://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/aussie-start-up-to-launch-drone-delivery-service-000845128.html)

[Flying Binghi]

"I think CASA's smart,"

Lets hope so :) Like any new tech there will be a few wrong directions taken...

"Australia may soon be the first country in the world to see commercial courier deliveries by drone, if a launch by a textbook rental service and an Australian tech start-up goes according to plan.
From March next year and pending regulatory approval..."


Push for lift-off on drone deliveries in Australia (http://www.smh.com.au/technology/sci-tech/push-for-liftoff-on-drone-deliveries-in-australia-20131014-2vixx.html)










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[tail wheel]

How does one diferentiate between a hobbyist's sophisticated radio controlled model and a drone/UAV requiring CASA or FAA approval/licensing?

Is this an RC model or an advertising UAV/Drone?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Woomera/A380.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Woomera/media/A380.jpg.html)

[chute packer]

How does one diferentiate between a hobbyist's sophisticated radio controlled model and a drone/UAV requiring CASA or FAA approval/licensing?


The differentiation applies when you fly a model aircraft for reward. In Oz you can fly a R/C model up to 150kg now, so long as it has approval from the controlling body, in that case the MAAA. It must stay within the pilots line of sight.

Now if you take a 1kg model and attach a camera and fly it either line of sight or using downlink video, and you sell film or photos from that flight, you are doing it commercially and must be licensed to do so by CAsA.

[tail wheel]

Incidentally, the A380 above is an RC model:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Woomera/A3803.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Woomera/media/A3803.jpg.html)

I can't imagine the Jihardists worrying about CASA licensing as they build their 150 kg RC Airfix model attack drone/model/UAV, from parts bought on the internet.

[Andy_RR]

How does one diferentiate between a hobbyist's sophisticated radio controlled model and a drone/UAV requiring CASA or FAA approval/licensing?


That question is about to be decided (http://www.diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/trappy-s-council-file-motion-to-dismiss) in the US shortly...

The FAA complaint (http://www.suasnews.com/2013/10/25471/the-faas-complaint-against-trappy/)

The motion to dismiss (http://www.kramerlevin.com/files/upload/FAA-v-Pirker.pdf)

[Andy_RR]

By the way, there was some pretty in-depth inspection and sign-off required to get that baby airborne, as show in this video.

A 380 Airliner the world first very large flying RC model of this type Part 1 - YouTube

[Ex FSO GRIFFO]

Radio 2BG (SY) this morning reporting the use of Photographic Drones /UAV's over the fires at in the Springwood area, the pics received being HD and 'quite remarkable'....

I guess that's a whole lot better than some guys risking life & limb in the turb / crap vis. of bushfire smoke / wind etc, and 'more economical too'.

I can't see much wrong with that....

Cheers:ok:

[Flying Binghi]

Of relevance to Oz drone ops...

via http://www.pprune.org/military-aircrew/527792-another-drone-down.html

"A U.S. Air National Guard MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aircraft dropped out of the sky while conducting training operations at altitudes greater than 18,000 feet above Lake Ontario, service officials said. "The satellite control link failed and the aircraft descended into the lake"..."

From the thread, poster Stuff notes...

"I'm not in the know but doesn't the loss of the vehicle imply 2 failures?

First the loss of satellite link and second the failure of the return to base feature?..."









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[Flying Binghi]

Calls from the U.K.

We need drone aircraft, says police chief - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/9578191/We-need-drone-aircraft-says-police-chief.html)

[Ex FSO GRIFFO]

There's a store in one of my local shopping centres selling R/C Choppers, complete with 'HD' camera....for $49.95....

Christmas 'Special'...
All made in China......

:}

[rutan around]

Most of us have heard of the sign over the door of the SR71 base. Perhaps it's time it was updated to reflect modern times.
"Yea though I fly through the valley of the shadow of death I shall fear no evil for I am unshaven, wearing only a pair of jocks at my computer under my mothers house, flying a drone ".

[Flying Binghi]

The debate escalates...

"Can an unhappy pig farmer shoot down a drone operated by animal rights activists ?..."

Amazon's eyes in the sky and pig farmers might fly (http://theconversation.com/amazons-eyes-in-the-sky-and-pig-farmers-might-fly-21000)

[Wally Mk2]

'Taily' rules & regs are there only for the honest thieves much like locks:-)

That A380 toy plane has been around a little while now, there's also a B52 toy plane that's just as big kicking around on YouTube.

The Quads are coming, they are now like Mob Ph's every man & his dog has a toy quad!:-0


Wmk2

[Flying Binghi]

Seems drones cain't do every thing...

"Surf Life Saving had done it, also the Australia Professional Ocean Life Guard Association has spent some time and effort in Queensland, using the Gold Coast as a trial area."

"It didn't quite take off because of the cost factor," he said."







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[Flying Binghi]

Took em a while. The Oz villain has found a use for UAV's...

"A man has been charged after a drone was found hovering over a Melbourne prison..."

Drone allegedly used in attempt to smuggle drugs into Melbourne prison - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-10/police-have-charged-a-man-after-a-drone-was-found-over-a-melbou/5309798)









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[Wally Mk2]

Am sure Quads have bin used for a lot more than spying on yr neighbors daughters for some time now.

I've been playing with vid/film camera's etc in toy planes/heli's for years now & with 2day's FPV gear it's bloody scary what can be achieved nowadays.
When you think about it a Quad loaded with C4 & sent out on a kamikazi mission using GPS could be very lethal to an exact spot!.

Wmk2

[Runaway Gun]

Which is why I have a GPS Jammer on my house and car roof, and a tin foil hat.

[oicur12.again]

My fellow pilots and I were flying our quad/gopro rigs around for fun one evening when we were approached by an American business man who expressed enthusiasm for our machines and the HD results they yield (Zenmuse gimbal is awesome).

Before we knew it, we were contracted to conduct a film shoot in a remote location that was originally planned to be done by helicopter. So far the results have impressed the crap out of them and it looks like we will be getting offers for a lot more similar type shoots. We charge . . . . beer. Cheap really, but lots of fun. And using gear worth less than 1000 bucks.

[Ultralights]

yes, it appears to me the biggest threat from drones is the work taken from helicopter operators and pilots, i noticed during the winter olympics almost every aerial shot was from a drone

[Paragraph377]

As much as I dislike JMac I think he is correct with his commentary on Drones, it is becoming a bigger than life issue, and the war has been lost before it begins. CASA cannot control Drone technology, and in reality they have little to no teeth to do so. Even if they could oversight drones fully, they don't have the manpower, funds and currently the legal muscle to do so.
I am an advocate for drones and the technology, and acknowledge that the use for them is endless, but the lack of ' adequate controls' with these things is quite simply, in our industry, an accident waiting to happen.

CASA says it can't ensure drone privacy - certification, unmanned aerial vehicles, Australia, drones, Parliament, Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), privacy - Techworld (http://www.techworld.com.au/article/539437/casa_says_it_can_t_ensure_drone_privacy/)

Example of a close call. Although the drone being used wasn't a $400 Ebay drone, you get the point;

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2335122/Terrifying-video-captures-moment-German-drone-missed-Afghan-plane-carrying-100-passengers-just-metre.html

[mickjoebill]

Recent misadventures,
LiveLeak.com - Drone With camera perform one last close up on its life.

MULTIROTOR DRONE CRASH - YouTube

SXSW 2014: Stun Gun Drone Zaps Intern - YouTube


Not recent, why you should think twice about selecting the "home" button….

LiveLeak.com - UAV Drone Compound Crash Footage



Mickjoebill

[Flying Binghi]

Probably not long before they arrive in Oz...

"...IAF officials say guerrilla terror organizations in Lebanon, Gaza could deploy drones carrying explosives and designed to crash into targets...

...drones would range from radio-controlled model airplanes weighing a few kilos to large drones with payloads of hundreds of kilos..."


Israel sees future drone threat from Hezbollah, Hamas - Israel News, Ynetnews (http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4497492,00.html)









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[CaptainMidnight]

It's about time mobile phones were banned too, cos they can be used for IED's -

[Andy_RR]

you could in theory use a smart-phone to provide autonomous control of a drone. I'll bet someone on Hackaday has already done it.

[Ultralights]

this is scary

SNPJMk2fgJU

i doubt the armed drone, sharleen, actually exists, but the possibility is there.

[duncan_g]

Investigation: AO-2013-167 - Aircraft separation issues involving an Ayres S2R, VH-WBK and an unmanned aerial vehicle, 37 km SSW of Horsham aerodrome, Vic on 12 September 2013 (http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2013/aair/ao-2013-167.aspx)

On 12 September 2013, at about 0930 Eastern Standard Time, the pilot of an Ayres S2R aircraft, registered VH WBK (WBK), commenced aerial agricultural operations on a property about 37 km south-southwest of Horsham aerodrome, Victoria.
At about the same time, the operator of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Sensefly eBee 178, arrived at the Echo mine site to conduct an aerial photography survey. He heard WBK operating about 1-1.5 km away and broadcast on the area frequency advising his intention to conduct unmanned aerial photography operations but did not receive a response. He asked the mine manager to contact the farmer and notify the pilot of WBK.
The UAV operator then commenced the flight at about 390 ft above ground level (AGL).
After completing the first load of fertilizer, the farmer informed the pilot of WBK there would be an ‘aircraft’ conducting aerial photography over the Echo mine site. The pilot assumed this would be a fixed-wing aircraft operating at or above 500 ft AGL, and intended to remain at or below 350 ft AGL to ensure separation.
At about 1000, the UAV operator heard WBK and observed the aircraft conduct a turn about 150 m north of the UAV, before it departed to the north. The operator immediately put the UAV into a holding pattern to maintain its current position. He estimated WBK was at about 100-150 ft AGL and came within about 100 m horizontally of the UAV. He attempted to contact the pilot of WBK on the radio but did not receive a response.
The pilot of WBK reported operating at about 50-100 ft AGL on a block just north of the mine site and did not see the UAV.
This incident highlights the challenges associated with having a diverse mix of aircraft operating in the same airspace and the need for all pilots and operators to remain vigilant and employ see-and-avoid principles.

ps - Ultralights - that video is a (fake) promo for a video game...

[Andy_RR]

I think all UAV's should look like this. It'd encourage the manned aircraft to stay away... :p

Erstflug der B25 Mitchell mit 2 x 400ccm Moki-Sternmotoren im Maßstab 1:3 - YouTube

[500N]

Not sure this is the right forum but following on from the discussions about drones in the bush fire thread, this caught my eye.

And it seems the owner trying to squeeze out of responsibility ?

"I have lacerations on my head from the drone and the ambulance crew took a piece of propeller from my head,"
Read more: 'River of blood' after drone 'hits' Australian athlete (http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/river-of-blood-after-drone-hits-australian-athlete-20140407-zqruh.html#ixzz2yEdR8v1M)"

[Stikybeke]

Hey 500,

I think this is the right place for this to be raised as I'll bet there are some lurking within this community who have had some experiences, both good and not so good, with drones.

I'm sure they are good value when utilised properly and perhaps a good example of that is the proposed bushfire stuff however there are more and more drones appearing about the place lately, Real estate companies using them to take aerials of properties for sale, etc and for those who fly aircraft whose wings move faster then the rest of the airframe the risk of adverse exposure seems to be rising.

On reading the linked article there seems to be a rising amount of incidents involving drones and over on the "Bladeslapper" website there's a whole topic re this and a number of other incidents, one of which involved a near miss at 1000' AGL and another with someone on AG ops. I'm sure that the majority of these are safe but the way its going it's probably only a matter of time before there's a midair.....

A piece of propeller in the head????? Maybe the quote should have read;
" I have sought legal advice......"

Stiky
:ouch:

[Paragraph377]

More drone shenanigans.

'River of blood' after drone 'hits' Australian athlete | smh.com.au (http://m.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/river-of-blood-after-drone-hits-australian-athlete-20140407-zqruh.html#ixzz2yEdR8v1M)

[Paragraph377]

Hey boys, good story. I have posted the SMH link into Binghi's Drone thread, hope you don't mind;
http://www.pprune.org/pacific-general-aviation-questions/519360-drones-australia-uav-uas-3.html#post8423937

As I keep saying, it is inevitable that one will be ingested, just a matter of when?

[Paragraph377]

Almost forgot this one also;

Drone almost collides with Westpac Rescue chopper - Hardware - iTnews.com.au (http://mobile.itnews.com.au/News/380875,drone-almost-collides-with-westpac-rescue-chopper.aspx)

[500N]

Paragraph

Thanks, that's fine by me :ok:


MODS
Can you merge this thread with the Drone UAV thread ????

[Pinky the pilot]

A friend of mine recently stated that if he ever saw a drone flying over any of his properties (rural) he'd get out his 12 gauge!:eek:

[onetrack]

He'd be pi**ing into the wind trying to shoot down a drone at 1000' - even 500' - with a shotgun!
Tell him he might have a slighter greater chance of knocking it out with a high powered rifle with a substantial muzzle velocity.
Even then, gravity ensures the pill wouldn't have much hitting power at that height. :(

[JezYBBN]

We did a cost evaluation for the unit and we just cannot see how this Yamaha thing will make you money.

Looks like a great machine but whoever put the pricing policy together at the company didn't seem to have a real grasp of operating charges per hour.

Anyhow see how they go good luck with it all :)

[Wally Mk2]

These things are great fun, I've been playing with toy planes etc for a little while now & the DJI Phantom is one great Quad that goes beyond the toy market & is affordable. Great for spying on yr neighbors from above:E The only thing about some Quads especially the DJI Phantom they have a nasty habit of 'flyaways' meaning they simply fly off never to be seen again & YouTube has some great footage of these machines doing just that with FPV on-board, scarey!
Amazing what people have in their back yards:)
The drones are coming & CASA are pulling their hair out!:)


Wmk2

[VH-XXX]

At these prices this won't be the last you'll see of these bad boys...

RC Quadcopters,Shop Best RC Quadcopter With Camera (http://www.banggood.com/Wholesale-RC-Quadcopters-c-1848.html)

Cheerson CX-20 CX20 Auto-Pathfinder FPV RC Quadcopter With GPS RTF - US$329.98 (http://www.banggood.com/Cheerson-CX-20-Auto-Pathfinder-FPV-RC-Quadcopter-With-GPS-RTF-Version-p-916733.html)

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS7wrDpWfXdcPzFUeTXRp7jwKDxZJdfMjR5tt_u9G0 XaF3zQ12y


DJI Phantom FC40 RC Quadcopter With Wi-Fi FPV FC40 Camera - US$519.99 (http://www.banggood.com/DJI-Phantom-FC40-RC-Quadcopter-With-Wi-Fi-FPV-FC40-Camera-p-916095.html)

Walkera QR X350 Pro FPV GPS RC Quadcopter DEVO F7 For Gopro 3 RTF - US$899.99 (http://www.banggood.com/Walkera-QR-X350-Pro-FPV-GPS-RC-Quadcopter-DEVO-F7-For-Gopro-3-RTF-p-916857.html)

[Pinky the pilot]

onetrack; He's well aware of that but I believe he was referring to any at low level!

And sending high velocity projectiles anywhere above a level elevation is asking for trouble!

[Andy_RR]

if successful, could he be charged with unlawful interference with aviation...?

I don't think that comes cheap.

[Ultralights]

from what i have been reading in other places, is the the operator is not licenced or approved to operate a UAV near crowds, i have no idea about the insurance implications of such an accident

[500N]

"approved to operate a UAV near crowds"


If he is close enough, better make that personal and medical insurance as well ;)

[Paragraph377]

Brief article below but not a surprise. The Regulator is always at least a couple of years behind the rest of the world. Just hope CASA can catch up before one of these is ingested into a Roller 500 above the ground?

Civil Aviation Safety Authority scrambling to roll out drone public awareness campaign - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-15/casa-scrambling-to-roll-out-drone-public-awareness-campaign/5392922)

[Andy_RR]

It's fair to say that CASA is ahead of most of the rest of the world when it comes to UAS regulation. CASR101 has been around for donkeys, but despite this, even the CASA spokesperson doesn't seem to know what's in it...

[Paragraph377]

Interesting article out of the USA below. Different laws in different states regarding drone use The use of this drone after the destructive Arkansas tornado has raised some heckles;

The Arkansas Tornado Footage The FAA Doesn't Want You To See - Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/sites/gregorymcneal/2014/04/28/drone-journalist-captures-stunning-video-of-arkansas-tornado-destruction/)

[500N]

Certainly gives the opportunity for a look see very quickly afterwards
- in terms of looking for people.

[Andy_RR]

Here's a very interesting glimpse at the future of autonomous rotorcraft.

RI Seminar: Sebastian Scherer : Toward Autonomous Rotorcraft - YouTube

[duncan_g]

CASA has published NPRM 1309OS. Details are here: Civil Aviation Safety Authority - NPRM 1309OS (http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_102028) and responses are open until 16 June :ok:

This amendment to CASR Part 101 relates to Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) used for commercial operations, but excludes model aircraft used for recreational purposes. It establishes a revised risk based framework for regulating RPA operations. A key part of this amendment acknowledges the existence of a "low risk" class of RPA operations, which are determined as small RPA with a gross weight of 2 kilograms and below while they are being operated under the standard RPA operating conditions as defined and discussed in this NPRM.

For these RPA operations, CASA proposes that the requirements for a Remote Pilot (RP) Certificate or an Unmanned Aircraft System Operator’s Certificate (UOC) will not apply.

RPA with a gross weight above 2 kilograms in all operating conditions, and all RPA operating outside of the standard RPA operating conditions, will require an operational approval.

[duncan_g]

Yamaha's new FAZER heli - now carries 6.1 GAL of insecticide. The smaller RMAX is a pretty awesome machine - I would love to hear about how effective it is in practice.

jTM7Ofki8Rw

[mickjoebill]

Cookies must be enabled. | The Australian (http://m.theaustralian.com.au/business/aviation/passenger-pilot-dodges-drone/story-e6frg95x-1226932306565)

Missed it by 20 meters after taking avoiding action at 3700ft.


Mickjoebill

[LeeJoyce]

Wow 3700ft

Wish mine would fly that high...

And the dash 8 swerved?

Sounds like a great piece of reporting there.

[triton140]

And the dash 8 swerved?

Sounds like a great piece of reporting there.

Not inconsistent with the ATSB report of the incident!

http://www.atsb.gov.au/media/4897226/AO-2014-052%20Final.pdf

[underfire]

Well, grey and cylindrical in shape, flying just above restricted military airspace...hmmm

[500N]

You don't need to be able to spell to fly :O

[Flying Binghi]

You don't need to be able to spell to fly


Hmm, i think the post you refer to has been got to..;)

[500N]

Article in he US which might be of interest.

When drones fall from the sky | The Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/investigative/2014/06/20/when-drones-fall-from-the-sky/)


UAV, C-130 mid air collision
http://defensetech.org/2011/08/17/midair-collision-between-a-c-130-and-a-uav/

[Flying Binghi]

Article in he US which might be of interest.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/investigative/2014/06/20/when-drones-fall-from-the-sky/


An interesting article...

"More than 400 large U.S. military drones have crashed in major accidents around the world since 2001, a record of calamity that exposes the potential dangers of throwing open American skies to drone traffic, according to a year-long Washington Post investigation...

...documents obtained by The Post detail scores of previously unreported crashes involving remotely controlled aircraft, challenging the federal government’s assurances that drones will be able to fly safely over populated areas and in the same airspace as passenger planes.

Military drones have slammed into homes, farms, runways, highways, waterways and, in one case, an Air Force C-130 Hercules transport plane in midair..."

[Flying Binghi]

iT news article:

Airports want tighter rules for small drones
"The industry body representing Australia’s airports has rejected a proposal by the country’s civil aviation authority that would allow commercial operators of small drones to fly without a licence, arguing the aircraft pose a significant safety risk..."



Airports want tighter rules for small drones - Hardware - News - iTnews.com.au (http://www.itnews.com.au/News/388648,airports-want-tighter-rules-for-small-drones.aspx#ixzz35KFJjEVZ)











.

[Wally Mk2]

It looks like some are getting pretty hysterical about all this now. I mean licensing the owners of these small quads will guarantee nothing. Just because someone has been 'educated' means zip!
People will always flaunt the law in any area of 'education' when it suits them (Rd rules perfect Eg & they kill daily!) especially if there's commercial gain in it.
What's to say that if someone did enter CTA deliberately or accidental that they pleaded dumb/innocent as these contraptions are well known to 'fly away' under their own steam totally out of control.
I flew my newest toy Quad just 2day & it's amazing it's capabilities in stable hover within about a 4 Mtr sq with height varying by no more than a foot or so, all for around $300 bucks with the best feature 'return to home' being bloody amazing & coupled with FPV means flying for a living is just a bloody chore with zero fun!:ok:
I luv toy planes & it will be a shame to regulate them out of existence, but fortunately it can't be done anyway as it's now totally out of the hands of the authorities.



Wmk2

[OZBUSDRIVER]

Latest from Avweb on what the FAA and NPWS think about uav ops.
http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archives/101/2842-full.html?ET=avweb:e2842:218202a:&st=email#222222

[ranmar850]

The latest DJI Phantom Quadcopter actually has presets which look like they will avoid defined airspace,(at least in the US) although this appears to be able to be altered. Flying?and crashing?a $1,300 quadcopter drone | Ars Technica (http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/06/flying-and-crashing-a-1300-quadcopter-drone/)

With a size of bigger than the average bird and a max flight ceiling of well over a thousand feet, the Phantom 2 Vision+ can pose a very real danger to aircraft of all sizes. With that in mind, DJI includes airspace restrictions in the Phantom’s firmware.

If the drone’s GPS detects that it’s within certain preset limits (starting at about five miles) of an area of controlled airspace, it begins to limit its flight ceiling, with the limit decreasing the closer one gets to an airport. Within about a mile and a half of an airport, the drone will refuse to fly altogether.

It has a 3-axis stabilised gimbal carrying a camera which records 1080 video., multiple modes apart from the normal "return to home if i'm lost" type, and looks like something I'd really like to have for filming in remote areas.

[500N]

That will be sub $800 soon, small bickies off some.
And probably less than $600 within 2 years.

[Flying Binghi]

Overseas developments of interest to Oz...

"Gaza-based terrorist group unveils new weapon in deadly arsenal, as Code Red sirens blare from Sdot Negev to Ashdod.

Hamas launched an unmanned aerial vehicle towards southern Israel on Monday morning from the Gaza Strip, as militants continued to fire rockets on Israeli cities and towns. The latest weapon in the arsenal of the Gaza-based terrorist organization was intercepted by a Patriot missile defense battery deployed in central Israel..."

Hamas launches UAV at southern Israel; rocket fire continues - Israel News, Ynetnews (http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4543077,00.html)











.

[500N]

In case you haven't seen it, article in the MSM re privacy from drones.

Drones pose growing privacy risk: report (http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/drones-pose-growing-privacy-risk-report-20140714-zt6nn.html)

[Flying Binghi]

Update to earlier post. Apparently there was more then one...

"The statement claimed Hamas engineers developed three variants of the UAV – for reconnaissance, aerial bombing, and suicide missions.

Hamas claimed several UAVs took part in each wave of infiltration attempts..."

Hamas claims multiple UAVs launched into Israel - Israel News, Ynetnews (http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4543077,00.html)

[aroa]

Article in Aviator title "drone for sale" Real estate agency told they are operating commercially taking pics for their sales blurb/board. FFS :mad:

Top marks to Pee Gobsome Corporate Bullsh*ter / Doctor of Spin for CAsA in giving not quite the full story :mad:

Que WTF.??? CAsA is supposed to be a "safety" agency, and IS NOT a regulator of commerce.

Now go to last Fridays OZ....Recent statements from PG have said drones under 2kg...CANT be operated commercially. :mad:

CAsA now says its looking at new rules that allow "unregulated" use commercial use..under certain circumstances (.. theres the cruncher) of drones weighing less than 2 kg.

For these new drone regs CAsA is taking absolutely NO notice of the New Regs requirements and they sure as hell cant produce ANY "safety" case about the effect of getting paid a dollar making it unsafer that not.

Like a mad Rottwieller with a rotten bone CAsA will just not let go of the "commerce"...as if it has anything to do with safety :mad:

Let CAsA continue to spruik rubbish over the drone issue and any emerging industry will be buggerised out of the sky just like GA.:mad:

Safe skies are empty skies

[Andy_RR]

I agree with you aroa. The only reason CAsA could have to regulate commercial aviation is because the ignorant and unwashed can and do climb aboard.

With a "drone", this is not the case, so regulation should be solely on the safety case which is independent of whether or not money is deemed to or actually changes hands.

In my opinion, the case for regulation can only be made on the basis of the population density of the region of operation - i.e. the likelihood of proximity of unsuspecting non-participants.

[Paragraph377]

Interesting:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=trXEK__rfhU

[Flying Binghi]

Some 192 wild ideas about future drone use...:)

"16. Missing Pet Drone – Many will pay dearly to find a missing pet."

"48. Drone Hunting Season – Forget the clay pigeons, this is far more challenging."

"57. Comedian Drone – Flies in and performs random acts of comedy."

"64. Fireworks Dropping Drones – Our ability to “ignite and drop” fireworks from the sky will dramatically change both how they’re made and the artistry used to display them."

"180. Shade Drones – Too much sun, no problem. The drone clouds are here!"


FuturistSpeaker.com ? A Study of Future Trends and Predictions by Futurist Thomas Frey » Blog Archive » 192 Future Uses for Flying Drones (http://www.futuristspeaker.com/2014/09/192-future-uses-for-flying-drones/#more-4344)










.

[Ultralights]

why use a drone, when mounting some high definition cameras and scanners on the hangar ceiling, and doors, then you scan the aircraft as its pulled in and out of the hangar. no risk of getting the structures guys in to fix drone impact damage.

[Flying Binghi]

Apparently in the UK there is a concern that bomb Drones might be used by terrorists. Now who'da thunk such a thing...

?Killer robots?: Ex-GCHQ boss calls for drone controls ? RT UK (http://rt.com/uk/198096-drones-law-gchq-chief/)

Commercial drones could be invading the UK within 20 years, used by everyone from terrorists to burglars, an ex-GCHQ boss warns. It found the growing use of drones raises “significant safety, security and privacy concerns.”
In a report released by the University of Birmingham Policy Commission, led by the former head of GCHQ Sir David Omand...
...The report warns terrorists could turn drones into flying bombs by installing improvised explosive devices...
...“Crowds at sporting events or rallies could be vulnerable in a similar way if a future terrorist group were to look for means of dispersing chemical or biological agents,” it states...
...On Saturday, a 41-year-old man was arrested as a suspected drone pilot after a UAV flew over a packed Etihad Stadium during a match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

(GCHQ is an intelligence and security organisation, working to keep Britain safe and secure in the challenging environment of modern communications...)
GCHQ Home page (http://www.gchq.gov.uk/Pages/homepage.aspx)












.

[KRviator]

Bombing drones? Why not? It's only a decade since that bloke in NZ developed his own home-made cruise missile... :D

[chute packer]

Bombing drones? Why not? It's only a decade since that bloke in NZ developed his own home-made cruise missile...

I see someone took that thought a step further.

Drone crashes into Canning Vale house (http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/drone-crashes-into-canning-vale-house-20141120-11qqa5.html)

[YPJT]

I was surprised that it actually crashed through the tiled roof and ceiling.

[Andy_RR]

This says more about the quality of Australian housing than it does about drones...

[aroa]

From Gliding International Nov-Dec 2014.

....commonsense prevails. :ok:

In Canada...."commercial drone use has ...taken off"

.."The Canadian permit system requires that the applicant explain how he/she plans to use the drone and what safety precautions will be taken.
Transport Canada reviews the application, consults with the applicant and issues a permit with specific operational limitations for the desired use.

The process is reported to take 10 -20 business days. :ok:

And NO mention that its illegal to engage in 'commerce'.

In Canada they obviously accept that is what you do in a capitalist society
In Oz commerce is a heinous crime (strict liability, of course) AND a safety hazard. :{

In 2013 TC issues 945 permits !!

And for CAsA how many operator permits were issued by the 945 drones shuffling paper in (Non):mad: Aviation House in 2013..??
And at what cost? And how long did it take ?

Vive la dfference. !

[asdf84000]

The [CAANZ] government has decided, at this stage, not to adopt the ICAO categorisations of model aircraft and UAS. This distinction is that model aircraft are flown for recreational purposes only, and UAS are flown for commercial, research or other non-recreational purposes.


Well done CAANZ for proposing the regulation of UAS operations based on risk and not on the commercial nature of the operation.

The proposed regulation will allow low risk UAS commercial operations up to 15kg TOW without any specific approval and up to 25kg with an aircraft airworthiness inspection required. Inspections to be carried out by approved persons or organisations.

Shielded operations, meaning operations below obstacle height (within 100m) allowed within 4km of aerodromes without approval (400ft AGL max)

Higher risk operations such as Beyond Line of Sight, Controlled Airspace and operations over property without owner consent regulated under a new Part 102 Operator's Certificate proposal.

Generally it seems like a great set of foundation regulations that are fundamentally based on common sense and risk.

Would it be the most enabling UAS proposed regulations in the world? Read the proposal through the links below. It is a very well structured proposal and well worth the effort to read.

CAA NZ NPRM
http://www.caa.govt.nz/rules/nprms/NPRM_14-01_Part_102.pdf

CAA NZ AC
http://www.caa.govt.nz/Advisory_Circulars/Draft_Advisory_Circulars/AC102-1_draft.pdf

[Ultralights]

i will admit, i have one of these drones, but have never flown it outside of the CASA restrictions on its operation, they are great fun. But some people will never be responsible with them, either through sheer ignorance of the dangers they are posing and the rules regarding their use, or just dont think they will get caught.. normally i am against CASA's tactic of trolling youtube looking for crimes of strict liability, as they usually present no solid evidence of the perpetrators, but that doesnt stop them.. but in this case, i am glad they have.

In Australia, Posting Drone Video On YouTube Might Get You Fined | Gizmodo Australia (http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2015/01/posting-drone-footage-to-youtube-might-get-you-fined/)
received a $850 fine after uploading footage to YouTube of him operating a DJI Phantom drone that flew within the Townsville restricted control zone, flying above the 400-foot ceiling for civil or hobby use, over populous areas, and within three miles of Townsville Airport.

its funny, with the use of these drones, there seams to be a bit of a backlash in their use, privacy concerns, they could be used by people of religious persuasion, or fall on someones head, funny, this issue never arises when remote control helicopters and aircraft can do the exact same things.

Last week, i launched my drone from my back yard, to get a good look at my new solar panel installation, and get a nice sunset shot across the park from just 100 ft. when the drone returned from its short trip 500 mtrs down the road to get the shot, it returned home and hovered above my yard so i could aim the camera at the panels. this is when my neighbor came over the back fence and complained i was invading his privacy. as the drone hovered, i showed him the pics, he wasn't impressed, he was in them looking up, then i compared the photo with the google maps image, it was almost identical, then i showed him the pics i have taken from light aircraft passing overhead our properties, (showing far more detail from a decent DSLR with a long lens) after which, he became mode accepting of the drone.

yes, i do fear hitting one of these things, especially flying the V1 coastal route regularly, and having seen a few youtube vids myself shot from drones in the vicinity.
I dont want these things banned, they are fun, i love mine, but CASA doing stuff like this, just might educate someone enough to not put anyone in danger.
IMO, as these rely almost entirely on GPS for positioning and flight control, im sure a max limit of 400Ft AGL could be easily hardwired into drones sold around the world at manufacture. just in case...

[aroa]

Ultralights...you obviously don't read the Aviation pages of the Friday Australian.
see Jan 16
There are 2 articles there...one about the operating limits for the smallies and someone getting busted for hitting a power line and dropping near a Polis Man...very unfortunate for the operator. Ka-ching for the coffers $850.

There is, once again the BS statement that..."It is also illegal to fly for money or economic reward" Pray do tell WTF has being paid for an image you capture, when yr quadcopter is operating within the CAsA arbitary limits got to do with "safety" SFA actually.
And as even the late unlamented DAS said at a Senate hearing."(I say)again, CAsA is a "safety" regulator NOT a commercial regulator"

And if you can't have yr 2 kg gizmo within 30 metres of a person....how come at airfields you can have student helicopter trainees just about combing yr hair while wobbling past the hangar door, not even a couple of blade lengths away?
I know which is the more bloody dangerous.!!:mad:

And the second article talks about the legalities on whether CAsA has the right to limit drones at all due constitutional issues. A good read.
Which puts paid to your hard-wiring idea. Any limits here may not apply in other countries

CAsA only seems to be on the ball.? And if we let the control freaks run rampant without contesting their arbitary limits and "rules", legal or otherwise then the balls in question will be those in their squirrel grip on a potential vibrant new industry.:mad:

Fly free. Be safe.

[CaptainMidnight]

funny, this issue never arises when remote control helicopters and aircraft can do the exact same things. Probably because such things are usually only flown at parks, sport grounds etc. under the model aircraft banner. UAVs are being operated in suburbia.

across the park from just 100 ft. when the drone returned from its short trip 500 mtrs down the road
Be aware that CASA have issues with UAVs flown beyond VLOS (visual line of sight) of the operator. Special conditions apply. The reason being if you can't see it, you can't be aware of what hazard it might present to someone or something.

[Ultralights]

mine was never out of sight.... and believe me, its expensive, i dont ever want to lose sight of it.. though it was far away, but i plan each flight with it, sent it on its way, orientated the right direction for my purpose, and all that was needed to return it home manually was a pull back on the stick, no orientation change needed, as that far away, orientation becomes an issue. though, LEDs, and radar on the controller help with that...... and fortunately, living in a relatively new suburb, all powerlines are underground. no major roads nearby, and the flight never went over a building, except mine.

i hope most other operators take the same level or risk analysis before every flight..

[duncan_g]

As predicted, the FAA took a while to come out with their proposed rule, but on first reading appears to be sensible and pragmatic :ok:

Press Release ? DOT and FAA Propose New Rules for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=18295&cid=TW299)

https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/recently_published/media/2120-AJ60_NPRM_2-15-2015_joint_signature.pdf

[Flying Binghi]

Oh dear, criminals using drones. Luckily small time stuff at the moment... What next..:hmm:

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has been urged to create no-fly zones over prisons to prevent drones from being used to smuggle drugs into correctional facilities.

In March last year, a 28-year-old man allegedly used a drone to fly drugs into the Ravenhall maximum security prison in Melbourne's west.

Fear of drug-smuggling drones prompts Victorian Minister to call for no-fly zone around prisons - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-24/call-for-no-fly-zone-around-prisons/6244768)












.

[oicur12.again]

Did someone say fireworks!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1mXAdevHwk

[Flying Binghi]

Whoa..:ooh:

Quiet the precedent from the U.S.A.

"If you fly drones and post the video footage on YouTube, the Federal Aviation Administration may send you a letter.

Earlier this week, the agency sent a legal notice to Jayson Hanes, a Tampa-based drone hobbyist who has been posting drone-shot videos online for roughly the last year.

The FAA said that, because there are ads on YouTube, Hanes’s flights constituted a commercial use of the technology subject to stricter regulations and enforcement action from the agency. It said that if he did not stop flying “commercially,” he could be subject to fines or sanctions.

“This office has received a complaint regarding your use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (aka drone) for commercial purposes referencing your video on the website youtube.com as evidence,” the letter reads. “After a review of your website, it does appear that the complaint is valid.”

The hobby use of drones and other model aircraft has never been regulated by the FAA, but the agency has been adamant about making a distinction between hobby and commercial use, which has led to much confusion over the last couple years...."

Continues... FAA says no to posting drone videos on YouTube | Impact Lab (http://www.impactlab.net/2015/03/22/faa-says-no-to-posting-drone-videos-on-youtube/#more-123895)







.

[Capn Bloggs]

I'm glad that the yanks are going after the high-priority issues...

[Flying Binghi]

Amazing what yer can buy from the toy shop for $1,500.....
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=r2WmLlTzQeM

[greencoconut]

Lots of tourists bringing UAV's into Fiji and flying them unlicensed.

Personally I have no problem with that, but it's when they do **** like you see in the first few seconds of this video that I get really pissed off. This prick has come in and made a (admittedly spectacular) video before returning to his home country without a care in the world.

Meanwhile, if this is ever seen by the dinosaurs at CAAFI, us Fijian hobbyists will have tighter regulations come down on us like a ton of bricks.


https://vimeo.com/99295619

[Ex FSO GRIFFO]

And. as mentioned by 'AMROBA', - note not 'endorsed' by them, but 'for info only'....as in a curiosity news item....

"Drones used in maintenance!!!!"

“EASYJET has begun using automated drones to carry out safety inspections on its aircraft, the airline says.

At an event at Milan's Malpensa airport, the Britain-based budget airline said a test inspection on an aircraft had been completed by one of the unmanned vehicles, and it planned to bring drones into service across its engineering bases in Europe over the coming year.

The airline said the implementation of the technology will help reduce the number of hours an aircraft is out of service because of inspections – which are routinely done after events such as lightning strikes.

Ian Davies, EasyJet's head of engineering, said: "The use of these emerging technologies frees up our engineering and digital teams to enable them to undertake more skilled tasks, keeping our costs down, which in turn keeps our fares low, helps minimise delays and ensures that we maintain our industry-leading punctuality for our passengers.”

Now, whilst I can imagine a drone picture giving an 'overall picture' of the top of a tailplane / rudder hinge assy, I just cannot imagine that I would be 'happy' with such an 'inspection' - whether this be deemed to be a 'pre flight' insp or not.....

Cheers :}

[foam]

Lots of tourists bringing UAV's into Fiji and flying them unlicensed.

Personally I have no problem with that, but it's when they do **** like you see in the first few seconds of this video that I get really pissed off. This prick has come in and made a (admittedly spectacular) video before returning to his home country without a care in the world.

Meanwhile, if this is ever seen by the dinosaurs at CAAFI, us Fijian hobbyists will have tighter regulations come down on us like a ton of bricks.

Look at his Vimeo profile, he's not just a tourist, he's a pro cinematographer, with a helicopter license!!!

https://vimeo.com/isaacalongi

[Flying Binghi]

Overseas, them drones just keep making a pest of themselves...

"Two drones temporarily halted air tanker operations Thursday on the Sterling Fire burning in the foothills north of San Bernardino, California,..."

Two drones reported near Sterling Fire on Thursday | Fire Aviation (http://fireaviation.com/2015/06/26/two-drones-reported-near-sterling-fire-on-thursday/)











.

[Flying Binghi]

There may be a counter to them errant toyshop drones, and another 'toy' for the Oz military to acquire...

"In May 2015, MBDA Deutschland deployed a laser effector to acquire, track, and defeat a free-flying mini drone, the first time such technology has been used to this effect. The mini drone was destroyed within seconds of the start of the test which was carried out at MBDA Deutschland’s testing area in Schrobenhausen. The drone in question manoeuvred in the target area at a range of about 500m with the test proving the laser effector's capability to combat realistic targets with precision, speed and safety.

Commercial mini drones represent a new type of threat that is nearly impossible to counter with conventional effectors. In 2013 a mini drone crashed at a distance of only two meters from German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other dignitaries during an election campaign event being held in Dresden, Germany. In France alone, more than 60 overflights by such craft over strategically significant locations have been reported since October 2014. Highly precise and scalable laser weapon systems could protect major events and critical infrastructures and close a current capability gap.
At the heart of MBDA Deutschland's technological approach is a multi-stage, highly precise tracking procedure and laser effector that bundles numerous laser sources into a single laser beam using the principle of geometric coupling. These processes make it possible to combat small, highly agile targets reliably with a single laser effector."

...and will there be no-fly zones around these defense sytems just in case they miss-identify that cessna 152 ?

Missile systems, defence systems - MBDA missiles (http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/#/news/3511)

[Flying Binghi]

Volume one, issue one, of a new Drone magazine out now. Caint give a title due to pprune policy though it can be found at the news agents.

[Squawk7700]

I just joined the masses and bought one on eBay for $80 to see what all the fuzz is about. Has a camera and gives amazing footage streamed back to the iPhone. Best $80 I ever spent! Almost identical to fly to an electric or nitro model Heli. As an electric model it's great fun, highly maneuverable and a real blast skimming along a foot or two off the ground up to a couple of hundred feet. When it all goes bad just cut the throttle and she drops to the ground safely. It's not heavy enough to damage itself when it hits the ground.

I can see why everyone is getting into it now...

[Flying Binghi]

What will they think of next..:hmm:

"...As for the smuggling possibilities, officers at Bedford Prison recently found a drone stuck in the razor wire of the prison’s perimeter, packed with a cargo of drugs, mobile phones, screwdrivers and a knife. Only last week, another security scare was sparked when a drone with a camera crashed into a jail for sex offenders, Whatton Prison in Nottinghamshire.
The Ministry of Justice has revealed that between February and May this year there were seven drone seizures. Who knows how many slipped through the barbed wire?
And, of course, there remains the terrible threat of a drone-based terror attack. Security chiefs are said to be extremely fearful of terrorists packing drones with explosives and using them to attack large outdoor events such as football matches or festivals..."

Cameron's former chief speech writer says we should be worried about drones | Daily Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3191760/Why-deeply-worried-rise-rise-drones-possibilities-great-threats-warns-David-Cameron-s-former-chief-speech-writer.html)







.

[Sunfish]

Sqwawk7700:

I just joined the masses and bought one on eBay for $80 to see what all the fuzz is about. Has a camera and gives amazing footage streamed back to the iPhone. Best $80 I ever spent! Almost identical to fly to an electric or nitro model Heli. As an electric model it's great fun, highly maneuverable and a real blast skimming along a foot or two off the ground up to a couple of hundred feet. When it all goes bad just cut the throttle and she drops to the ground safely. It's not heavy enough to damage itself when it hits the ground.

I can see why everyone is getting into it now...

I almost bought one on the way back from Europe.

However there will need to be no fly zones around Airports and ALA's quite soon in my opinion, and they will need to be backed up with legislation and double digit jail terms.

It is not rocket (or drone) science to understand why.

[Andy_RR]

You'll need a few jailed birds with that philosophy too, Sunny...

[Ultralights]

there already are restricted areas around every approved airport, no closer than 3nm, not in any restricted or prohibited areas,

the CASR's 101 already have it covered. and in my opinion, are pretty well thought out and cover pretty much everything..

sadly these things are sold to anyone, and the buyer is given no clue to the rules covering them, or are even told there are any rules at all. this is the problem.

[Squawk7700]

CASA have a pretty easy to follow section on their website for Drones.

https://www.casa.gov.au/operations/standard-page/remotely-piloted-aircraft-rpa




This mob have some pretty pictures but don't seem to know that 3 miles is not actually 4.5 kms !

Drone Laws in Australia - We explain CASA CASR 101 laws for RPAS in Australia (http://www.rpastraining.com.au/casr-101-uav-drone-legal-or-illegal)

http://www.rpastraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Drone-Laws-in-Australia-Fly-legally-CASR-1011.jpg

[anonymouspilot]

Been having a read, and as far as I can tell there is nothing in the legislation that prohibits flying model aircraft right up to the boundary fence of an aerodrome, even in controlled airspace, provided its not above 400ft. (And the other points regarding approach paths/creating an obstruction etc are complied with.)
Happy to be corrected if you can point me to the relevant legislation, I'm all for (responsible) model flying, but this doesn't seem ideal.



101.070 Operation in controlled airspace
(1) A person may operate an unmanned aircraft above 400 feet AGL in controlled airspace only:
(a) in an area approved under regulation 101.030 as an area for the operation of unmanned aircraft of the same kind as the aircraft, and in accordance with any conditions of the approval; and
(b) in accordance with an air traffic control clearance.
Penalty: 50 penalty units.
(2) An offence against subregulation (1) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
101.075 Operation near aerodromes
(1) A person may operate an unmanned aircraft at an altitude above 400 feet AGL within 3 nautical miles of an aerodrome only if:
(a) the operation is permitted by another provision of this Part; or
(b) permission has been given for the operation under regulation 101.080.
Penalty: 25 penalty units.
(2) A person may operate an unmanned aircraft over an area mentioned in paragraph (3)(a) or (b) only if:
(a) the operation is permitted by another provision of this Part; or
(b) permission has been given for the operation under regulation 101.080.
Penalty: 25 penalty units.
(3) The areas for subregulation (2) are:
(a) a movement area or runway of an aerodrome; and
(b) the approach or departure path of a runway of an aerodrome.
(4) A person must not operate an unmanned aircraft in such a manner as to create an obstruction to an aircraft taking off from, or approaching for landing at, a landing area or a runway of an aerodrome.
Penalty: 25 penalty units.
(5) An offence against subregulation (1), (2) or (4) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

[Squawk7700]

The CASA website says the following in plain English.


What's allowed?

RPA

Unmanned aircraft activities are approved for operations over unpopulated areas up to 400 feet AGL (above ground level) (120 metres), or higher with special approvals.
Special approvals are also required for other areas.
Operations are not permitted in controlled airspace without CASA approval and coordination with Airservices Australia
Can be operated in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) and /or instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) with appropriate approvals.
Model aircraft

You should only fly a model aircraft in visual line-of-sight, in day visual meteorological conditions (VMC). What does that mean?
no night flying
no flying in or through cloud or fog, and
you should be able to see the aircraft with your own eyes (rather than through its point-of-view camera) at all times
You must not fly a model aircraft over populous areas such as beaches, other people's backyards, heavily populated parks, or sports ovals where there is a game in progress.
In controlled airspace, which covers most Australian cities, model aircraft must not be flown higher than 400 feet (120 metres)
You should not fly closer than 5.5km from an airfield.

Quoting rules from a section about CTA is probably not relevant as there's more in there than just that section.

Suggesting that you can fly up to the fence of an airfield because it doesn't say otherwise is like saying that you can fly one in the CBD after drinking 10 beers, because it doesn't say otherwise.

[anonymouspilot]

I agree with your sentiment Squawk, my point was more in regards to operations near aerodromes, where it seems operating inside 3nm below 400ft is permitted. The advice stating 'should not fly closer than 5.5km', in my view, only creates ambiguity when the CASR state otherwise. If that's the standard CASA want to regulate, then legislate it. I'd like to think common sense would prevail, but there'll always be idiots who push the limits and give the rest of us a bad name.

[Ultralights]

Penalty: 25 penalty units.
(3) The areas for subregulation (2) are:
(a) a movement area or runway of an aerodrome; and
(b) the approach or departure path of a runway of an aerodrome

now what could be considered the approach and departure path of an aerodrome... from my understanding, CASA consideres all areas around an aerdrome as a possible departure and approach path..

and as for the 'should not fly closer than 5.5km', well, you can fly within 5.5km, with permissions.

[CaptainMidnight]

For some time a year or so back CASA were working on a number of Advisory Circulars putting more detail around CASR Part 101 WRT UAV ops. but I haven't been following things to know if they were ever issued or not.

I can say that their position was that UAVs including model aircraft must not be flown at any level within 3NM of a controlled aerodrome, without prior specific approval from both CASA and the relevant ATC unit.

Further here:

Unmanned Aerial Systems in controlled airspace | Airservices (http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/services/unmanned-aerial-systems-in-controlled-airspace/)

CASA also would not permit the vehicles being flown beyond visual line of sight of the operator, without their specific approval.

[Ultralights]

to fly them beyond Visual line of sight, you need an IFR rating.

[Flying Binghi]

Are you being harassed by swarms of feral drones ? :ooh:

This may be the answer...

12 gauge shotgun anti drone munitions from: DROP THE DRONES WITH DRONE MUNITION (http://www.dronemunition.com/)

:cool:











.

[Ultralights]

HAHAH drone apocalypse, those crazy paranoid americans...

[aroa]

re Drone useage at reg attitudes in Canada.:ok:
Well worth a look to see the difference in attitudes by the Regulators.

[Hempy]

7zrXb_YQQag

[Squawk7700]

Sorry, very much a fake.


This wasn't a fake:

https://www.atsb.gov.au/newsroom/news-items/2015/roa-crashes-near-mcg.aspx

[Capn Bloggs]

Sorry, very much a fake.
Very well done though...

[Flying Binghi]

The Israelis would have to have one of the toughest to crack computer systems around, and yet...

"...An indictment presented to the Be'er Sheva District Court on Wednesday asserts that Majd Ouida, a computer engineer and tech expert from Gaza, managed to hack into the IDF's drone surveillance system, allowing the leaders of the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization to view HD footage from drones hovering above the Gaza Strip...

...According to the indictment, Ouida joined the Islamic Jihad five years ago, later developing a program with which they infiltrated the IDF drone system. The program also allowed the organization's leadership to view footage from Israeli traffic cameras.

Ouida also developed a program that allowed the Islamic Jihad to monitor plane traffic at Ben Gurion Airport. It also gave the organization access to passenger manifests and technical details of departing and arriving planes..."


Shin-Bet: Islamic Jihad member hacked into IDF drone system - Israel News, Ynetnews (http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4782430,00.html)


So just how secure are the 'monitoring' computers in the land of Oz...:hmm:




.

[aroa]

Not UAS/UAV...now RPV Remotely Piloted Vehicle.

Big spiel in today's Oz where the "safe" (sic) pros continues the propaganda that the 'amateurs' are a gross health hazard.

< 2kg operate by anybody now..and i would bet that most people do the right thing ...ie within the prescribed parameters.

In the new regs 101 update CAsA is again beating their meat that if you take a photograph from yr 2kg RPV for money, you are a criminal doing commerce.:mad:

CAsA is a safety regulator NOT, repeat NOT a commercial regulator. But like a junkie on heroin, they just wont give it up.:mad:

Where's the safety case, where's the cost benefit analysis to support this rubbish..? Oh that's right... NEVER done ! Just good old bs control freakery!:mad:

As a photographer, and who isnt these days...I have to following rights
,,,to take an image from a public space.
...to be paid for that image, commissioned job or not.. ie if I sell it later.
...to earn a living by my chosen profession.
...and the right to happiness, since I enjoy aerial photography... and food on the table.:ok:

But rampaging regulation will continue to deny those rights.:mad::mad:

[Ex FSO GRIFFO]

So.....Wot happens now that our Aust. Post is gunna give these 'things' a trial..??

"Got a parcel for ya mate, do ya want me ta drop it orf?" Literally...

I am wondering wot 'our' CASA is gunna say...???

Hint....is this really a commercial op..? Does Aust Post make $$s..??

Cheeeerrrsss :}

[layman]

Australia Post to trial drone parcel delivery of online shopping - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-15/australia-post-to-trial-drone-parcel-delivery-of-online-shopping/7331170)

"Trials in an enclosed, fenced-off field will continue for another two weeks and if successful, Australia Post will apply to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority for a trial of parcel deliveries to customers."

...

"A CASA spokesman said the authority would identify all relevant safety requirements to ensure there were no risks to people, property or aircraft.

He added CASA currently did not approve drone operations over populous areas, "so drones cannot currently deliver parcels down city or suburban streets".

CASA will review drone regulations later this year and the authority said it would work with the remotely piloted aircraft sector as drone technology developed and improved."

[tail wheel]

https://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/31374242/drone-stikes-passenger-plane-coming-in-to-land-at-uks-heathrow-airport/

[Ex FSO GRIFFO]

And....Here's one allegedly at 1,100ft a little closer to 'home'....

No Cookies | Perth Now (http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/breaking-news/sa-skydiving-pilot-narrowly-avoids-drone/news-story/7ea333b7620af082250707e1a22cd512)

No Cheers Here...:=

[Ultralights]

https://fbcdn-photos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-0/p640x640/13015687_10154077144939754_788783987681867627_n.jpg?oh=6d298 1945389712f96f246fa5e23896b&oe=57B677F0&__gda__=1471858172_ab76eb86dca500fc185458170ec01de2

[Flying Binghi]

There's a lotta money being put to anti-drone defence systems...

"...A new system for drone detection, identification and flight disruption developed to counter the dramatic increase in recent years of small drones which pose a threat to critical infrastuctures...
...The use of small drones has increased dramatically over the years, making them a potential threat to critical infrastructures, other aircraft and homeland security due to their small size, low speed and low flight altitude. These drones may be used for a number of reasons, including hostile purposes such as intelligence gathering, smuggling, or as weaponized platforms,..."

Watch: Israel Aerospace Industries new Drone Guard revealed - Israel News, Ynetnews (http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4813411,00.html)





.

[Flying Binghi]

Now the terrorists have bomber drones. It just keeps evolving...

"...While Hezbollah, along with some other terrorist groups, have been known to operate pilotless drones for reconnaissance purposes or in kamikaze-style strikes for over a decade, this video is the first visual evidence that the Iran-backed organization has used UAVs capable of carrying out bombings..."

WATCH: Video appears to confirm use of attack drones by Hezbollah | The Times of Israel (http://www.timesofisrael.com/video-appears-to-confirm-use-of-attack-drones-by-hezbollah-in-syria/)




.

[Flying Binghi]

via fpvdude:
Jesus Christ you have a screw loose (or two) Flying Binghi

Oh, dear. fpvdude, if it panics ya, and yer just dont wanna know about the latest drone developments affecting Oz then dont read the thread..:hmm:





.

[Squawk7700]

I recently saw a drone / quadcopter sized flying machine that the owner said to me, "throw this tennis ball at it." I did, and guess what happened...? It responded and moved out of the way quicker than you could imagine. Scary things are happening with the development of these things.

[Flying Binghi]

Seems some are getting a little concerned with the lack of ability to defend against them Drones...

"...DARPA is interested in identifying novel, flexible, mobile layered defense systems and component technologies that could be leveraged to improve force protection against a variety of sUAS threats and tactics, could be fielded within the next three to four years,...
...System flexibility, deployability, and affordability will be major design drivers, as the system will only be an effective deterrent and defensive capability if it can be widely deployed to protect a large number of assets..."

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=eb3ba9276e50794884b93f090d4ee7fd&tab=core&_cview=0




.

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

I recently saw a drone / quadcopter sized flying machine that the owner said to me, "throw this tennis ball at it." I did, and guess what happened...? It responded and moved out of the way quicker than you could imagine. Scary things are happening with the development of these things.

I bet it can't dodge a load of buckshot!

[cooperplace]

someone has probably already posted this, but pipeline and powerline inspection work, much of which is expensively done with choppers, will be done by drones for a fraction of the cost.

[Ultralights]

Like this?

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/13962648_10154409018879655_452458923829913531_n.jpg?oh=424da b45b4a1053c02d14831b65c5473&oe=58152EF2&__gda__=1477719960_a00b31fd090a5a931984e5aeebe82d22

[Flying Binghi]

Cooperplace:
someone has probably already posted this, but pipeline and powerline inspection work, much of which is expensively done with choppers, will be done by drones for a fraction of the cost.

Have a look-see at this site. Gives an excellent idea of drone possibilities. If the drone page don't come up just enter "drone" in the site search:
You searched for Drone | Make: DIY Projects and Ideas for Makers (http://makezine.com/?s=Drone)




.

[ferris]

http://http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/wa-drone-pilots-earning-up-to-200000-in-the-mining-oil-and-gas-sector-20160830-gr4qin.html

The future is here.

[VH-FTS]

http://http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/wa-drone-pilots-earning-up-to-200000-in-the-mining-oil-and-gas-sector-20160830-gr4qin.html

The future is here.

The WA Today article is complete waffle and supplied by a UAV flying school. It's just like the articles the GA flying schools put out time to time promising boom times, Boeing/Airbus pilot shortage predictions, blah blah blah.

Love to know what this $500 equipment is they are talking about that can bring in six figures.

[aroa]

Todays Oz. I see the "professionals" are dicing carrots and beating the safety drum yet again regarding,>2 kg drones. Deaths are imminent and the sky is falling in obviously.
It smells of 'closed shop' no ?

[Flying Binghi]

Here's a new idea. Drones launched from a cargo plane:
China to Expand Military Reach with a Fleet of the World?s Largest Planes - Defense One (http://www.defenseone.com/business/2016/09/china-expand-military-reach-fleet-worlds-largest-planes/131321/?oref=d-dontmiss)

Hmmm... Imagine: Payload 250,000 kg. Short range smart human heat seeking bomb drone 1kg. Yer got 5,000 troops on the battle field and an An-225 drone drop ship turns up nearby. What's that, 25 drones per soldier...:ooh:


Edit: ah forgot, obviously the launch racks would eat into payload.




.

[Fliegenmong]

Hmmm.....well you didn't think an Aust. LNP gummint would be wise to that did you Binghi???

And it's a far cry from a kid with a toy drone weighing less than a seagull in a local park...........

[Fliegenmong]

that said....being Australia...we should actively pursue and fine to the full extant of the law any kid who flies a kite near an 'event'

No Cookies | Gold Coast Bulletin (http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/gold-coast-600/huge-maximum-fines-of-243k-for-people-caught-flying-kites-drones-model-planes-near-gc600-on-gold-coast/news-story/1f5b52248fe6ac14702085557815142a)

1/4 a million dollar fine for a kid and his grandmother flying a kite in a park......sounds Australian enough to me.....(BTW I am an Australian)

I'm aware that ignorance is no defence in the eye of the law.......but how are simple Aussie family's to know about an act of parliament such as this??

Little jenny goes to fly a kite in a park with her grandmother......$250k fine!! ***** off australia!!! where does this PC bull**** stop!!!??

[Sunfish]

heard a drone operator near Gympie the other day. he was filming a new freeway extension near the airport. no problems. he was 'not above 400". I was not below 1000. no drama at all.

what worries me is amateur drone pilots with too much money and no common sense.

[Squawk7700]

Luckily nobody caught Casey flying around in Syndey last week :-)

https://youtu.be/57R1mVPsQ9U
(https://youtu.be/57R1mVPsQ9U)
Well worth the view of you have a spare 9 minutes.

In his other videos this week he flies under and over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also a good piece on Sydney Seaplanes in their Beaver.

https://youtu.be/LudIVLul1tY

[Ultralights]

yes, saw those vids, great footage, but was surprised he flew over the bridge more than anything, so many international tourists fly drones al over syd now.
i was more surprised he didnt get booked riding that boosted board on the streets.. they are illegal here, same goes for segways in pubic areas.

[Flying Binghi]

Via Fliegenmong:
...well you didn't think an Aust. LNP gummint would be wise to that did you Binghi???


Yeah, considering the turnBull govenment just made a decision to order some diesel powered subs..., I don't see much of 'wise' or common sense in what they do..:hmm:

Wonder how long it will take the Chinese to make a little submersible bomb drone, say 10kg, fly the An-225 over the general area of the noisy old diesel sub and with a payload of say 10,000 submersible drones just saturate the area until there are some oily bubbles...

What sort of idiots order a diesel powered submarine in the 21st century.
Makes yer wonder is turnBull getting a kick-back from the French manufacturer..:hmm:





.

[Vref+5]

Last time I checked with my mates in the submariner corps, diesels were still quieter than nuclear boats, the difference is the underwater endurance, ie the diesels have to snorkel to run the engines and re-charge batteries. So it comes down to who has the greater endurance, the sub or the surface fleet, can the sub float away quietly in the current - under an inversion layer - before the surface fleet with their drones pull up stumps?? Just slightly off topic here btw

[Flying Binghi]

The iranians are pushing ahead with their bomb drone developments. Claim to have a drone with a 600 mile range able to carry a heavy payload. Wont be long before irans terrorist friends are using them...

"...it can carry heavy payloads of explosives for combat missions to launch suicide attacks..."

Iran unveils maritime 'suicide drone' | The Times of Israel (http://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-unveils-maritime-suicide-drone/)




.

[monviso]

heard a drone operator near Gympie the other day. he was filming a new freeway extension near the airport. no problems. he was 'not above 400". I was not below 1000. no drama at all. what worries me is amateur drone pilots with too much money and no common sense. Actually, you are right it is full of those kind of people and they fly a drone (http://www.miniurls.co/BsUzX) wherever they want without thinking about those above them. They are the most dangerous

[Murray Cod]

MC here,
I operate a Cessna 172 for aerial mapping and have dipped my toe into UAV's and I'm not seeing any advantages in these machines in our field yet. They will crash ,on average, 3 times a year. Even the expensive ones, they have no redundancy and parts are hobby grade. Their not allowed over populous areas (because they cash 3 times a year?) and the coverage per hour is too low to make a decent buck.
The Yamaha ag copter can't carry enough chemicals etc to be viable yet.
Having said that ,I lost a friend just lately to an ag incident, I guess with the Yamaha , everyone comes home to their family that day if it crashes.

[Flying Binghi]

As Murray Cod has pointed out there is still a-ways to go with Drone development. - A new manufacturing sector for Oz perhaps ?

From my reading around the traps it seems to me that Oz should go with the Air-Sea drone defence concept. Developing an Oz Drone manufacturing base would be a far better and more useful use of 50 BILLION dollars then buying some obsolete manned submarines. (Submersible Targets)
Drone manufacturing apart from being an industry supporting defence will be a boom for Oz farming, mining, Police, and many others users.


"...As unmanned aerial drones have become a critical part of modern warfare, the Pentagon is now looking to deploy autonomous robots underwater, patrolling the sea floor on what one top Navy official called an “Eisenhower highway network,” complete with rest stops where the drones could recharge.

Although still in the development stages, the technology has matured in recent years to be able to overcome the vast difficulties of operating underwater, a far more harsh environment than what aerial drones face in the sky..."


How are those submarines going to work out? | Catallaxy Files (http://catallaxyfiles.com/2016/11/26/how-are-those-submarines-going-to-work-out/)






.

[Flying Binghi]

"...Lifeguards to drone pilots as class graduates from Australia's first training school..."

Lifeguards to drone pilots as class graduates from Australia's first training school - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-28/australias-first-drone-pilot-training-school-opens/8311888)






.

[Flying Binghi]

This'll put a smile on a young Osama's face...

From the latest in Drone toys, etc... In the video at the 9.30 mark the enthusiastic presenter sells the kids on a projectile launching drone toy with this comment...

"Imagine the joy of flying around your neighbourhood launching air strikes....."

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=f1E9jtE1aAk


Wont be long now.. from toys to terror.....





.

[Unmanned 2017]

Hello! I am engaged in unmanned aircraft in the interests of photogrammetry. And I had a question. What do you think, which set of on-board equipment is ideal for drones? What should it be to perform ALL the main tasks of photogrammetry (land survey)? Here you need to consider the carrying capacity of the drones, of course. For example, a lidar is too heavy for a small compact dron.
Thank you for your advice.

[Flying Binghi]

Hello! I am engaged in unmanned aircraft in the interests of photogrammetry. And I had a question. What do you think, which set of on-board equipment is ideal for drones? What should it be to perform ALL the main tasks of photogrammetry (land survey)? Here you need to consider the carrying capacity of the drones, of course. For example, a lidar is too heavy for a small compact dron.
Thank you for your advice.

This might give you a lead:

"...Six Komatsu Australia in house pilots have recently received their ‘wings’ as certified drone operators, allowing for the ability to provide total site solution, site surveying services that are an improvement on ground based alternatives...

https://www.australianmining.com.au/news/komatsu-takes-aerial-view-site-surveying/





.

[Flying Binghi]

Annoying drone attacked by athletes...

https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=ad6_1506124347

Drone operators wearing pink shirts are just asking for it..:E





.

[Flying Binghi]

Try's to sneak some drugs into prison though dingbat leaves the Nav lights on..:rolleyes:

"...A drone has been caught on CCTV dropping what appears to be contraband into Lithgow's prison in NSW in a first for the state..."

Drone smuggling contraband into Lithgow prison captured on CCTV - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-26/drone-captured-cctv-smuggling-contraband-into-lithgow-prison/9088386)





.

[Flying Binghi]

Threat of massed drone attacks. That were something i wrote about here in pprune several years ago...

"The threat is no longer that of a lone drone, but a flock of drones. ISIS already uses drones not just for surveillance, but also to drop 5kg-bombs," warned Col. (res.) Meir, who heads Rafael's anti-drone department.

"Israel's defense establishment needs to make a decision. The abilities already exist, and the threat is only going to become more serious," he continued.

"We need systems both mobile and stationary, the kind that could protect against drone attacks on sensitive facilities or events attended by the prime minister and other senior officials."

https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5043733,00.html

So what's our defence here in Australia ?





.

[Aussie Bob]

Hey Binge, I can see you are desperate to keep this thread of yours alive ....

I recently spent the day at Drone School X where I presented basic radio principals and signed off on AROC and GELP for the participants. What I found was a dedicated class who desperately want to maintain safe drone operations with their expensive toys, a very impressive lot of toys too I might add!

My observation is that the horse has long ago bolted on this issue. I was happy to assist these folk getting their qualifications. It was a fun day and I might also add the pay was good. I look forward to doing more of this work.

Did I mention the drones were impressive .......

[StickWithTheTruth]

I watched a guy at the Sydenham community kite festival on Sunday come in and set up his DJI Phantom complete with FPV goggles and range extender, only to fly within 3 miles of a helicopter landing area, amongst kite strings, over a public event with 200+ young children, within 30 metres of a person and using First Person View goggles / not line of sight contrary to the regulations.

I'm all for not needing over regulation and rules in aviation, particularly for hobbies, however the message doesn't appear to be getting through no matter how hard CASA tries. I feel as though it's heading down the path of recreational boat licences, where the only way to stop someone flying is to make them get a licence so that it can be taken off them if needed.

[aroa]

If people really want to get into saving lives, please get a job with a Transport dept and do something about all those road fatalities.
A CAsA like entity could put 1/3 of the cars off the road. 1/2 the driver numbers and deaths would be way down. And no pvt vehicle servicing either.
And as for paperwork, permits and fees...and strict liability offences...all good, just think of the lives saved.
Those that know best, will save us from ourselves.

[flywatcher]

I don't know if this has been posted before but drones are not new. In Louisiana last week looked at ww2 navy destroyer, the "Orlech"?? that was refitted with a helicopter drone in 1962 with two rotors, a little jet turbine, a drone operator to take off and land it on the deck before handing over to CIC who directed it, with a load of small depth charges or torpedoes to its target. I have some photos, which I don't know how to post, but will happily email to anyone who wants to post them. It is a long while from 1962 to 2017 but not much has changed.

[Flying Binghi]

Hey Binge, I can see you are desperate to keep this thread of yours alive ....



Would yer prefer i start a new thread with every drone incident..;)

News head line:
Bull's-eye: IAF successfully intercepts target UAV with Patriot missile


From the reader comments section:
"A very expensive way to down a drone. This can bankrupt a country" Michael Garkawe

https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5003853,00.html?utm_source=Taboola_internal&utm_medium=organic






.

[MagnumPI]

Bump - on Saturday I was witness to some clown first person flying a drone in Class C airspace in Sydney for several kilometres.

What should you do if you see this? I couldn't find the person flying it but they obviously need a good smack in the head.

[StickWithTheTruth]

Bump - on Saturday I was witness to some clown first person flying a drone in Class C airspace in Sydney for several kilometres.

What should you do if you see this? I couldn't find the person flying it but they obviously need a good smack in the head.

There is a reporting form on the CASA website. You need to be able to tell them who was flying it and or provide a YouTube link of you filming them or what they were filming (if possible) There are other evidence related questions on there.

A conviction is almost impossible if you can't give enough info to definitively identify the "pilot."

I've used it once when it was well and truly warranted. I've got a small drone for fun and have probably come close to breaking a rule but this guy broke 4 all at once.

[Eddie Dean]

Latest info from ABC about CASA and prosecution for illegal drone activity
Drone users brazenly breaking laws as burden of proof makes prosecution difficult - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-27/drone-users-brazenly-breaking-laws-as-prosecution-difficult/10153104)

FWIW Cheers

[aroa]

burden of proof for evidence...jeez CASA wont like that. Gotta have the proof !! Courts are a bugger that way .

Lovely irony locally a few days ago. Aerodrome closed for a firies/ EMS rescue thingy..wanted an as it happens overview.
Sorry to much... CANT fly the drone at a (closed) airfield. !
Love it !

[Runaway Gun]

I was browsing the DJI website and considering buying a drone, when one of their galleries displays terrific photos of Australia Beaches. The photographer stated that often he flew 1.5km away (so much for line of sight), and another terrific shot displayed the fine Caloundra waterfront - probably only a mile from Caloundra Airfield !!

Whilst I know the law, I bet many other customers will try to replicate such actions.

[Duck Pilot]

CASA needs to do a nationwide ongoing mainstream media campaign - on television, newsprint and online advertising the basic does and don’ts with regards to drones. Most people who get drones have absolutely no idea what potential damage even a very small drone can do. The retailers couldn’t care less, all they want is the sales.

Most DJI drones record all the flight data through what ever app the user elects to us, CASA should have the authority to gather that data through a CAR 301 demand should they elect to take someone to task. The data recorded is extensive and certainly enough to prove if the drone was being flown in a no fly zone.

[Flying Binghi]

Here's a new idea. Drones launched from a cargo plane:
China to Expand Military Reach with a Fleet of the World?s Largest Planes - Defense One (http://www.defenseone.com/business/2016/09/china-expand-military-reach-fleet-worlds-largest-planes/131321/?oref=d-dontmiss)

Hmmm... Imagine: Payload 250,000 kg. Short range smart human heat seeking bomb drone 1kg. Yer got 5,000 troops on the battle field and an An-225 drone drop ship turns up nearby. What's that, 25 drones per soldier...:ooh:


Edit: ah forgot, obviously the launch racks would eat into payload.




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I wonder how developments are going ?