Drone News: Seattle Drone Laws, Category drones coming soon? Ingenuity hits 30 minutes airborne

This week in drone news: Seattle drone laws in question requiring
permits for UAS flights, Virginia Tech has received the first
approved means of compliance for category aircraft, and the
Ingenuity helicopter has hit 30 minutes airborne!





A means of compliance has been accepted by the FAA! Virginia Tech
has received the first means of compliance from the FAA. Details
are not available on the actual testing method, however, this is
the first step towards approved operations over people and
category 2/3 aircraft.
https://vtx.vt.edu/articles/2021/12/ictas-maap-meansofcompliance.html





The Ingenuity UAS has hit the 30-minute mark! The aircraft has
flown 17 times, for a grand total of 30 minutes 48 seconds.
 “Few thought we would make it to flight one, fewer still to
five. And no one thought we would make it this far,” said
Ingenuity team lead Teddy Tzanetos. “On the way to accumulating
over a half-hour aloft Ingenuity has survived eight months of
bitter cold, and operated out of nine unique Martian airfields.
The aircraft’s continued operations speaks to the robustness the
design and the diligence and passion of our small operations
team.”
https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/space-flight/mars-helicopter-reaches-30-minute-milestone/





Lots of people are going to be getting drone this holiday season.
Pilot Institute asks you to do a few things: Be a good mentor and
help educate!  Invite new folks with drones or those
interested to fly with you. The more in this hobby, the better.
Fly safe and Happy holidays!