Drone News: UTM Field Test, Superbowl Drone show, NDAA vs Blue UAS, FPV course, FAA admin resigns

This week in drone news:  FAA Administrator has announced he
will be resigning, the FAA announced this week they will begin
Unmanned Traffic Management field testing, the Superbowl drone
show, more concerns over blue UAS in comparison to the NDAA, and
a new FPV course.


Friday the 11th, the FAA announced the plan to begin testing
unmanned traffic management capabilities. Testing will start in
the spring of 2022.  UTM service will be complimentary but
separate from ATM services This field testing is aimed at sUAS
operations, generally, below 400’.
https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-begins-new-phase-testing-safely-integrate-drones-national-airspace 


The NFL put on a drone show for the Super Bowl. This show was
shown 4 times, once the Friday prior and three times on Saturday.
There were none on Sunday due to the TFR.  


Two NDAA compliant drones manufacturers, Terraview and Skyfish
are petitioning congress to remove the blue sUAS requirement.
 These two manufacturers claim the Blue UAS program is
causing damage to NDAA compliant manufacturers.  Both
manufacturers applied for blue UAS, but were told the Defense
Innovation Unit (DIU) lacked the funding to evaluate their
systems. “The Blue sUAS list was never designed to be a
gate-keeper for federal government procurement,” says Bruce
Myers, Terraview CEO.  “It’s actually stifling competition…
The DIU never intended the Blue sUAS list to be the
be-all-end-all. ”
https://dronelife.com/2022/02/12/ndaa-compliant-us-drone-manufacturers-petition-congress-to-remove-blue-suas-requirement-from-gsa/ 


Check out our new FPV course!  This is a step-by-step guide
to building a cinematic FPV drone, taught by Don, our FPV
instructor. Don goes over what parts to use, how to assemble, and
configure the drone to get those awesome dynamic FPV shots.
Enroll here:
https://pilotinstitute.com/course/cinematic-fpv-drone-from-scratch/ 


The FAA administration released a memo stating: “Over the past
several years, my family has been a source of tremendous
encouragement, strength, and support. Nevertheless, after
sometimes long and unavoidable periods of separation from my
loved ones during the pandemic, it is time to devote my full time
and attention to them. As I wrote in my letter to President
Biden, it is time to go home.” Administrator Dickson said he made
the decision in light of growing extended family and time away
from his family. It’s expected Deputy Administrator Bradley Mims
will take over Dickson’s duties.
https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-administrator-to-resign/