Latest Drone Updates: Debut of Waterproof Selfie Drone, Stunning 8K FPV Footage from Africa, and More Exciting Developments!
News Article
In the world of drones, innovation and advancements continue to soar, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aerial photography and safety. Here are some of the latest developments that are making waves in the industry.
BETAFPV's Pavo Femto FPV Drone
Weighing a mere 0.12 pounds (54.77 grams), including the DJI O4 Air Unit, the Pavo Femto FPV drone by BETAFPV is small in size but packs a punch in terms of capabilities. This drone is optimized for 4K/60fps video capture and boasts a thrust-to-weight ratio that exceeds 6.75:1. Powered by LAVA 1102 brushless motors (14,000KV), the Pavo Femto FPV drone offers around 5 minutes of flight time.
Ellis van Jason's 8K FPV Drone Video
Filmmaker and FPV pilot Ellis van Jason has released an 8K FPV drone video showcasing Africa's sprawling landscapes and wildlife. The video, which compiles 35 terabytes of his best work, features shots from Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Namibia.
AVSS's SnowDart System
The Canadian drone company AVSS has made headlines with its SnowDart system, which combines low-cost, eco-friendly pyrotechnic darts deployed via drone to safely trigger controlled avalanches. This innovative approach reduces the need for helicopters and risky on-the-ground operations, while offering greater precision and cost savings.
HoverAir's Aqua Drone
For those who love water activities, HoverAir's new self-flying selfie drone, Aqua, is designed to take off, land, and operate on water. This drone, which weighs under 249 grams, making it exempt from FAA registration, is perfect for use in various water activities, including surfing, kayaking, and even in gusty winds up to 33 knots. The Aqua drone features a 1/1.3'' sensor, 4K at 100fps video, and over 15 waterproofing features.
Part 146: The FAA's Regulatory Framework for BVLOS Drone Operations
Part 146, a lesser-known part of the FAA's new BVLOS rule, plays a crucial role in supporting scalable and safe BVLOS drone operations. This regulatory component specifically addresses the certification and regulation of Automated Data Service Providers (ADSPs), technology companies that provide essential backend services necessary for safe BVLOS drone flights. These services include strategic deconfliction, conformance monitoring, airspace data delivery, and conflict alerts.
References:
[1] FAA. (n.d.). Part 146: Automated Data Service Providers. Retrieved from FAA Part 146
[2] FAA. (n.d.). Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS). Retrieved from FAA BVLOS
[3] FAA. (n.d.). Part 108: Operations Over People. Retrieved from FAA Part 108
- The Pavo Femto FPV drone by BETAFPV, despite being small, offers advanced capabilities in aerial photography with its 4K/60fps video capture and high thrust-to-weight ratio, powered by LAVA 1102 brushless motors.
- Ellis van Jason, a filmmaker and FPV pilot, has released an 8K FPV drone video that highlights Africa's beautiful landscapes and wildlife, featuring shots from Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Namibia.
- AVSS's SnowDart system, a drone-deployed pyrotechnic dart system, offers a safe and innovative approach to controlling avalanches, reducing the need for helicopters and risky ground operations.
- HoverAir's Aqua drone, a self-flying selfie drone designed for water activities, is exempt from FAA registration due to its weight, making it ideal for various water activities like surfing, kayaking, and even in gusty winds.
- Part 146 of the FAA's regulatory framework supports scalable and safe BVLOS drone operations, specifically addressing the certification and regulation of Automated Data Service Providers (ADSPs), who provide essential backend services necessary for safe BVLOS flights.
