Four major drone manufacturers formed a new drone advocacy group, the Drone Manufacturers Alliance, to better address issues specific to their consumer-facing businesses. DJI, 3DR, Parrot and GoPro aim to lobby for “policies that promote innovation and safety, and create a practical and responsible regulatory framework.” The companies appear to have decamped from the founding trade association in the space, the Small UAV Coalition, which still counts Google X, Amazon Prime Air, AirMap, Intel and others as members. Continue reading Drone Makers Group Wants a Voice in Setting Airspace Policy

In 2015, the FAA granted over 500 exemptions to farmers, railroads, security services and medical facilities that wanted to fly drones. Although FAA rules require all drones to have a human pilot and stay within the operator’s sight, it now plans to make exception to those rules. More drones are likely to fly as competitors come out with more, sometimes less expensive choices. The move also helps the U.S. catch up with drone use in Europe and Canada. Switzerland, for example, began trials of drone-delivered mail. Continue reading Over 500 FAA Exemptions in 2015 Open U.S. Skies to Drones