FAA Small UAS Rules News Conference

There is potentially big news for small UAS operations being released today by the FAA:

http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/15/politics/drones-new-rules/

http://www.forbes.com/sites/gregorymcneal/2015/02/14/the-faa-may-get-drones-right-after-all-9-insights-into-forthcoming-regulations/

The following provide very interesting reads relating to this unfolding scenario, which appears to have be in response to the crash of a DJI Phantom earlier this year on the White House lawn, click the links on the pages to see the full documents:

http://diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/faa-notice-of-proposed-rule-making-regulatory-evaluation

http://diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/more-analysis-of-forthcoming-faa-rules

http://dianamarinacooper.com/2015/02/14/possible-leaked-faa-document-provides-hints-regarding-proposed-rulemaking-for-suas/

If these documents turn out to be legitimate, it could be good news indeed (no private pilot certificate, just knowledge based exam; low cost aircraft registration; framework that is similar to CA, UK, and AU). 

I encourage anyone with an interest in small UAS to call in and listen:

 

WHEN: 10 a.m., Sunday, February 15, 2015

WHO: Conference Call with U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta

The call-in number for the call is (800) 230-1059. The operator will ask you what you're calling in for. Tell the operator you are calling in for the DOT Press Briefing. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end. To ask a question press *1.

UPDATE: New phone number for this call: 202 493 4180 passcode 6238#. Delayed briefing until 10:30 a.m.