Just a quick follow up to yesterday’s UAV post. As a couple of readers informed me, the FAA has not approved the use of these airplanes in the US, so buyer beware.
I also wanted to call attention to a new LiDAR blog – appropriately called the Wilder LiDAR Blog. The author, James Wilder is the LiDAR Solution Specialist for Aerometric, Inc., based in Wisconsin. James brings 15 years of hands on experience to the table -definitely worth a look.
Gene…might be splitting hairs a little bit here, but while the X100 hasn’t been approved for commercial/government use in the US, one could (in theory) employ it in a “recreational” capacity. If the data sheet is accurate, its altitude block for collection (100-750m) and weight (1.9kg) would allow it to operate within the small/recreational UAS guidelines (no pilot cert required, visual observer only, 400ft AGL max). Obviously, trying to employ it in a civil or public capacity above 400ft AGL would require engagement with the FAA for approval – but it seems that process is getting easier over time.
(Fact Sheet) http://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=6287
(FAA Interim Guidance) http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/uas/reg/media/uas_guidance08-01.pdf
(Full Regulations) http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/uas/reg/