Perrysburg Township Fire and EMS are taking a significant step forward in their rescue operations by incorporating Chinese-made DJI drones into their emergency response tactics. The department believes that these drones will significantly improve efficiency and response times, ultimately saving lives, report WTOL. Drone Training and Certification One of the primary challenges faced by the department in implementing the drone program is training responders to operate the unmanned aircraft effectively. Drone pilots are required to pass the FAA's Part 107 exam to become certified to fly the drone ..read more

An RAF F-35 Lightning stealth fighter jet narrowly avoided a collision with a drone flying at an illegal altitude over Norfolk, according to an official report from the UK Airprox Board (UKAB). The incident, which reportedly occurred on February 14, is believed to be the highest recorded near miss between an RAF aircraft and a drone. Drone Incident Details The close call took place about eight miles east of Norwich just before 1pm, with the F-35 travelling at nearly 290mph when the drone appeared just 300ft from its left nose. The pilot, accompanied by an instructor in a second F-35, later ass ..read more

Quick-Thinking Mercenary Avoids Deadly Drone Attack In a stunning display of quick thinking and resourcefulness, a Russian mercenary identified as Private Khamatov saved his life by hurling a sack of potatoes at an attacking Ukrainian drone. The astonishing footage captures the moment when Khamatov, spotting the incoming UAV, grabbed the nearest object at hand—a bag of potatoes from his rations—and launched it at the drone. Explosion and Minor Injuries The video shows the potato sack making contact with the drone, causing it to explode in a bright red flash near Khamatov. Despite the cascadin ..read more

In a heartwarming tale of determination and community support, a hiker named Zach Barriga was reunited with his lost dog, Annie, thanks to the help of a state-of-the-art drone and its operator, Justin Vickers, reports News 10. A Harrowing Ordeal Zach and Annie were returning from a 14-mile hike near Round Top in the Catskill Mountains when Zach slipped on ice and fell down a small cliff. While Zach was unharmed, Annie was stranded on the cliff above him, and he couldn't reach her. With his phone battery at just three percent, no flashlight, and wet clothes, Zach had to make the difficult decis ..read more

U.S. Lawmakers Consider Banning DJI Drones Amid National Security Concerns In a move that could ground the fleet of DJI drones across the country, U.S. lawmakers are weighing an FCC ban on the China-based drone manufacturer. This potential ban comes on the heels of recent actions taken against TikTok, as the federal government continues to scrutinize Chinese-made products over national security concerns. The Countering CCP Drones Act Last month, the House of Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the Countering CCP Drones Act, which aims to add DJI drones to the FCC's list of equipment covered ..read more

Affordable Aerial Photography for Beginners The DJI Mini 4K, set to launch on April 29, 2024, is making headlines not just for its advanced features but for its surprisingly affordable price tag of around $348 USD. Rumored by drone enthusiast Igor Bogdanov, this price point positions the DJI Mini 4K as a perfect entry-level option for those new to drone photography and videography. Key Specifications and Features Despite its lower price, the DJI Mini 4K doesn't skimp on features. It boasts a 3-axis gimbal for stable footage, Electronic Image Stabilization, and, as the name suggests, 4K video c ..read more

Council Recommends Creating Drone-Specific NOTAM to Limit Restricted Area The Drone Advisory Council (DAC), a key player in the integration and regulation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) within the national airspace system (NAS), has released a report recommending significant changes to the current airspace restrictions at sporting events. The council suggests creating a drone-specific Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) that limits the restricted area to the immediate fence line of stadium properties. According to Jon Hegranes, Executive Council of the DAC, “The current restrictions on drones around ..read more

Welcome to the Weekly UAS News Update. We have four stories for you this week: a new drone act in Congress (yes, yet another one), Airmap adding SGI support, the DAC recommends a change in stadium TFRs, and lastly, a new DJI Agras. Let's get to it. Proposed Drone for First Responder Act First off is the soon-to-be-proposed Drone for First Responder Act, not to be confused with DFR (Drones For First Responders), which is actually something that's useful, unlike this bill. Introduced by Elise Stefanik, a New York Republican, who was behind the proposed DJI full ban that we discussed a few weeks ..read more

The United States, in coordination with the United Kingdom and Canada, has issued new sanctions on Iran, targeting Iranian drones, their use by Russia in the war in Ukraine, and the shipment of Iranian commodities. The U.S. Treasury Department accused over a dozen entities, individuals, and vessels of facilitating and financing the clandestine sale of Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL), reports Reuters. Sanctions Target Iran's Drone Program and Support for Russia The Treasury Department stated that MODAFL supports Iran's el ..read more

As DJI, the world's leading drone manufacturer, is gearing up to release its latest consumer drone, the DJI Mini 4K, on April 29, 2024, at 13:00 UTC, Igor Bogdanov from Quadro_News releases a trove of images and information. This affordable and feature-packed mini drone is expected to be the perfect entry-level option for drone enthusiasts and beginners alike. READ MORE: DJI UNVEILS MINI 4K DRONE AS AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE TO MINI 4 PRO Upgraded Camera and Strong Performance The DJI Mini 4K boasts an impressive array of features, including a 3-axis gimbal and Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS ..read more