31 The Wild Wild West

An analysis of the Raphael Pirker v FAA appeal, an offensive quadcopter and conservationists look to utilize UAVs.

The News:

FAA To Appeal NTSB Finding On UAS Case

An NTSB Administrative Law Judge dismissed the charges against a UAV pilot for flying a commercial mission, but the FAA intends to appeal the decision. We talk about what that means to the sUAS industry and where the appeal goes next.

SXSW 2014: Chaotic Moon Demonstrates CUPID, a Drone That Can Tase You

The C.U.P.I.D. hexacopter (Chaotic Unmanned Personal Intercept Drone) carries a gun that can shoot you with barbed Taser darts and zap you with 80,000 volts.

Of UAS and Cranes: UAS Technology Aids California Bird Conservation

Tracking bird populations is an important part of wildlife study but observing, recording, and counting birds can be very difficult. That’s where UAVs come in. ConservationDrones.org looks to exploit the potential of UAVs for conservation-related applications worldwide.

Video of the Week:

World’s Most Insane Rope Swing Ever!!! – Canyon Cliff Jump, but especially see Behind The Scenes – Insane Canyon Rope Swing for more on the octocopter used to film this.

Mentioned:

• Drones Find Fans Among Farmers, Filmmakers
• Flying Unmanned Aircraft in the Face of Authority
• Transport Canada: Definition of Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV)
• UAV FAQs for Canada
• Man arrested over drone drugs drop