Drone News: DroneUp acquires Airmap, DRL Accreditation, +55lb Drone Waiver, Remote ID Update!

Join us in learning about the recent up-comings in the drone community. DroneUp, a DSP, has squired the former LAANC provider, Airmap. The Drone Racing League has been accredited by the FAA in a first-of-its-kind drone safety event accreditation. A pilot, and friend of Pilot Institute, Kenji Sugahara, has received a response from the FAA regarding is p.107 exemption for a +55lb drone.

DroneUp is acquiring Airmap No disclosed price for the transaction or date. This is interesting to see a drone delivery platform purchase a software provider such as airmap. AirMap has been in the news over the years and more recently for losing their ability to issue LAANC requests and wanting to monetize on the airspace access. https://www.zdnet.com/article/mergers-pave-way-for-scaling-drone-delivery/

DRL is now an FAA-accredited drone event organizer. DRL will help to oversee UAS events to ensure safety. “We’re honored the FAA has accredited DRL as the first UAS event organization, and we’re excited to participate in the FAA’s PSP program to ensure safety is the priority at all UAS events,” said DRL COO Ashley Ellefson. “We look forward to sharing our expertise in drone-event safety more widely with the industry and continuing to work with venue organizers to curate safe and spectacular drone racing experiences through the most unique and incredible spaces.”

Kenji Sugahara has received the first 55lb+ exemption using only a part 107. This paves the way into part 107 operators potentially receiving waivers to operate aircraft that weigh more than 55lbs. Currently, part 107 operations are limited to aircraft less than 55lbs.

Fears of more expensive GPS appear to not be an issue for transmitters and Standard RID. With this change however, comes the possibility that cellphone’s GPS may not suffice for standard RID. An increase in cost however is unlikely, as WAAS GPS units are within $5 of other GPS units currently in use on unmanned aircraft.