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.