Drone America

"Navigating the Unseen: The Impact of Solar Flares on Drone Operations" Important Alert for GPS Users and Drone Operators: Navigating the Current Solar Storm. As we experience a significant solar storm on May 10, 2024, I want to share crucial information for everyone relying on GPS for precise timing and location, courtesy of Ken Andrew, an RF Engineer specializing in UAV/UAS communications at NLOS Wireless. Currently, the Earth is witnessing a substantial influx of solar flares, which are disrupting the upper Ionosphere and significantly impacting GPS signals. This disturbance is causing GPS locations to be inaccurately displayed, with errors as large as 80 feet or more in location accuracy. For instance, my own iPhone 14, usually accurate within +/- 5 feet inside my home, now shows my location across the street and adds an 80-foot error. For UAV/UAS operators, this presents a serious risk. The spatial disorientation caused by these solar flares could result in incorrect reporting of both horizontal (X/Y) and vertical (Z) positions. The error in altitude could be even more pronounced, potentially 2X or 3X the norm. Given that drones are generally restricted to 400 feet above ground level, the risk to property and safety could be substantial. Immediate Advisory: Avoid flying commercial drones unless they are within 50 feet and in direct line of sight to mitigate risk. Keep monitoring the NOAA GPS Dashboard for real-time updates on the severity of this solar activity, which can rapidly escalate: NOAA GPS Community Dashboard. Stay safe and ensure continuous checking of the R/S/G indicators, particularly when they reach level 3 and are predicted to worsen. For more detailed insights and guidance, feel free to contact Ken Andrew at ken.andrew@nloswireless.com or visit NLOS Wireless. Stay informed and fly safely! #GPSAccuracy #SolarFlares #DroneSafety #UAVTechnology #Geospatial #SpaceWeather #EmergencyPreparedness #RFEngineering #AerospaceEngineering #UnmannedSystems #dorneamerica #UAS #GPS #NLOSwireless #kenandrew

Exploring the Future of UAS Autonomy with the FAA BEYOND Program. I'm thrilled to share an update on a significant initiative that positions us at the forefront of advancing UAS technology and regulatory frameworks. Together with the City of Reno and under the guidance of the FAA's BEYOND program, Drone America and partners are actively participating in pioneering efforts to establish rules for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations. This work is crucial as we move closer to realizing a fully autonomous UAS airspace. A huge thank you to the City of Reno and the FAA's BEYOND team for their relentless dedication and partnership. We are proud to be a part of this trailblazing journey. Read more about the test sites' progress across the USA here: Inside Unmanned Systems Article https://lnkd.in/d95iiYsg #BVLOS #Drones #UnmannedSystems #FAABEYOND #Innovation #Autonomy #DroneAmerica #CityofReno #Aerospace #RenoFireDepartment #UASTechnology #AviationTech #AerialInnovation #DroneOperations #AerospaceEngineering #CommercialDrones #DroneSafety #SustainableAviation #TechInnovation #SmartCities

Created to work toward establishing rules for BVLOS operations for UAS, the Federal Aviation Administration's BEYOND program is doing work that helps move us closer to a more fully autonomous UAS airspace. Read more about the test sites' progress across the USA: https://lnkd.in/d95iiYsg #BVLOS #drones #unmannedsystems Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership Tombo Jones ACUASI Catherine Cahill Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma James Grimsley Northern Plains UAS Test Site Trevor Woods Drone America Mike Richards

Great teams are formed through adversity... Behind every successful R&D and commercial operation lies a blend of seasoned professionals, sturdy UAS and ground vehicles, cutting-edge long-range communications, and the crucial FAA certification. Our recent journey through the snow-capped Virginia Range & Sierra mountains is a testament to our team's resilience and the robustness of our operations. Let's celebrate the spirit of innovation and the challenges that forge great teams. #ResilienceInResearch #TechnologyInNature #EngineeringExcellence #droneamerica #SnowboundInnovation #MountainTech #RobustOperations #CommunicationTechnology #FAACompliance #AdversityToAdvancement #OutdoorInnovation #Teamwork #Innovation #UAS #FAA #dronesurvey #powerlinesurvey #SAR #criticalinfrastructure #mountainsafety #training

"Empowering Tomorrow's Innovators: Drone America at Mineral District's GEAR UP Program" Yesterday, Drone America had the privilege of participating in the GEAR UP program organized by Meshanna Merrow and hosted Mineral County School District in Hawthorne, Nevada. Our mission was clear: to ignite a passion for science and technology among students, with a special focus on the UAS/Drone industry. In a display of commitment to this cause, we showcased two of our helicopter systems along with a command-and-control vehicle and trailer. These are not just pieces of technology; they represent the cutting edge in support for Search and Rescue (SAR) and Wildland Firefighting operations. Beyond their critical roles in emergency services, these systems also serve in commercial capacities, conducting vital infrastructure and power line surveys among other missions. The event, held March 11th, 2024, from 8 AM to 2 PM, was more than a college and career fair; it was a beacon of opportunity, illuminating the path from education to career for our students. The Mineral County School District, serving nearly 600 students from PreK through 12th grade across Hawthorne, NV, and Schurz, NV, embraced the future with open arms. The GEAR UP program, entirely funded by grants, is dedicated to enhancing college access and awareness for its students. The objective of the event was to expose rural students to a vast array of educational and career pathways, showcasing the excitement and challenges of various professions. With invitations extended to all seven Nevada colleges, technical colleges, trade schools, and professionals from diverse career clusters, the event promised a comprehensive look at the future of work and study. Drone America is proud to contribute to such a transformative initiative, aiming not just to inspire but to actively participate in shaping the futures of these young minds. By bringing technology to the forefront of their educational journey, we hope to pave the way for a new generation of innovators, thinkers, and leaders. #DroneAmerica #GEARUP #STEMEducation #FutureInnovators #DroneTechnology #EducationalOutreach #CareerPathways #TechInEducation #InnovationInLearning #UASIndustry #dronepilot #dronesurveys #pathwaystoaviation #reno #nevada #uas