The FAA enforcement action against Mr. Pirker for flying his UAS at University of Virginia is practically legend in UAS circles. Today he and the FAA settled the case for $1,100. It is well short of the $10,000 fine and Mr. Pirker is not admitting guilt. His company, Team Blacksheep, but out a press release today. The amended Order of Assessment is posted as well.
In other news:
In bizarre story, a man was sentenced to 15 years in jail for attempting to smuggle in goods to a South Carolina prison with a UAS. The sentence was 10 years for smuggling in contraband to a prison and 5 years for possession of marijuana. I don’t think anyone will argue this was an acceptable use of UAS.
The Wurdack Research Center at the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) received a COA to perform agricultural research. They also have a Flickr Site with some good photos.
On the military side, DARPA has issued a Special Notice regarding early-stage meetings for technological research into pack drones. Essentially, they want to develop systems so that multiple drones can work collaboratively through one operator – like a pack of wolves. I’m not sure what I think about this – it brings back thoughts of the Terminator and 1984, but it is a natural step forward in R&D.
