by Patrick J. Paul As the world faces an unprecedented pandemic with the rapid spread of the coronavirus, drones are being increasingly deployed to assist in the response. From delivery, to disinfectant, to photography, the use of drones in this crisis continues to grow as emergency responders and food and medical supply delivery companies attempt […]
by Kelly A. Daly Calling it “a paradigm-shifting technology with far-reaching social impact,” on November 27, 2019, the Federal government announced the issuance of the new Department of Justice Policy on the Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (the “Policy”) governing the operation on Unmanned Aircraft System (“UAS” or “Drone”) technology. When properly deployed, DOJ acknowledges […]
by Patrick J. Paul On August 29, the Federal Aviation Administration announced that it was working with other federal agencies to reduce the impact of flight restrictions imposed on drone operators flying in close proximity to certain federal facilities. In particular, the FAA announced that it is working with the Department of Defense to create […]
by Patrick J. Paul Wildfire season is in full swing with at least 19 active fires burning across Arizona according to the Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM). There are multiple other prescribed or controlled fires also presently burning across the state. While the moisture from the monsoon season, which officially began on June […]
by Patrick J. Paul Evolving anti-drone technology designed to detect, control, and as necessary, divert unauthorized drones to a safe landing will soon be commercialized pursuant to a licensing agreement between Embry Riddle University and Drone Defense Systems LLC, a Daytona Beach based company founded and run by Embry Riddle Alum Sotirios George Kaminis. The […]
Patrick J. Paul Drones were a popular gift this past holiday season. Their rapidly growing presence is outpacing the ability of aviation regulators worldwide to keep up. The mayhem that ensued following the December 20, 2018 shutdown of London’s Gatwick Airport during which almost 1,000 flights were canceled stranding 140,000 passengers during the peak Christmas […]
by Patrick J. Paul With midterm elections looming, the prospects of a blue wave strengthening, and a consistent shuffling of the Trump cabinet, former Oklahoma Attorney General and current EPA administrator Scott Pruitt now finds himself in the hot seat. Fresh off a glowing self-evaluation in the form of EPA’s own 2017-18 Year in Review, […]
By Mitch Klein Following the presidential election, much was made of the enormous changes that the new president intended to make at the EPA, and his choice for Director, Scott Pruitt, resulted in heated opposition and a frenzied uproar from those who foresaw the dismantling of environmental protections. The funny thing is, aside from much […]
by Patrick J. Paul While legislative wrangling over construction of a border wall continues, unmanned aerial vehicles are a growing part of the nation’s defense strategy. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has implemented the Predator-B Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to prevent the unauthorized entry of terrorists, criminals and undocumented immigrants. CBP currently maintains and […]
by Amanda Reeve The Western Governors’ Association (“WGA”) convened for its 2017 Winter Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona on December 1-2 to discuss western policy and announce its Policy Resolutions for 2018. While discussions focused on workforce development, natural resources management, disaster preparedness, technology and transportation and infrastructure; at the heart of all these conversations was […]
