Drone News: Drone Hits a Robinson Helicopter, 2024 American Security Drone Act, and a Drone Rescue

Welcome to your weekly news update, we have 3 stories for you this week, drone hits Robinson R44, 2024 NDAA signed with American Security Drone Act, and a Drone Rescue, lets get to it! https://droneadvocacyalliance.com First up this week is one you’ve probably seen… A Robinson R44 Helicopter, operated by Leading Edge Helicopter Tours hit a drone at approximately 180 feet near KDAB. It’s unclear what phase of flight the helicopter was in, but it was able to land without any injuries. The incident occurred above the Daytona Beach Flea Market, in Daytona Beach, Florida while the UAS operator was flying a mission for a construction company. All current information points to the UAS operator having the valid permissions to operate at that altitude in that area. The replacement of the R44’s rotor blade is estimated to cost approximately $60,000. Both the NTSB and FAA were notified and we’re going to hold off on assumptions at this time, we’ll wait for the NTSB report to be released. Next up this week is the 2024 NDAA, which had the American Security Drone Act added as an amendment. If you’re unfamiliar with the ASDA, it aims to address cybersecurity concerns for drones used by federal agencies. The law defines aircraft as “Covered” and means they were made/produced in China. The ASDA does NOT ban DJI or Autel drones for recreational or commercial use. The ASDA does limit the use of drones that are made by a “Covered Foreign Entity”, but an exemption is in place if “as procured or as modified after procurement but before operational use, can no longer transfer to, or download data from, a covered foreign entity and otherwise poses no national security cybersecurity risks as determined by the exempting official.” This means drones with secure data modes, such as Enterprise DJIs, may be allowed to be operated by federal agencies and purchased using federal grants…. But… Later in the law is a two year buffer, meaning for the next two years no federal agency may fly a covered aircraft, procure a covered unmanned aircraft, or spend federal grant money on the operation of a covered aircraft. There is NO limitation in the ASDA limiting public safety from spending non-federal money on these covered aircraft. If you want to get involved in opposing the ASDA as it currently stands, head over to the DAA and let your representative know. Last up this week is a drone for good story out of Weber County, Utah. A foreign exchange student, Kai Zhuang, was reported missing by his parents in China, after they supposedly received a picture of him indicating he had been abducted and ransom was demanded. Despite initial fears, there was no concrete evidence suggesting a forceful removal of Kai from his home. Using an M30T, the Weber County SAR team located Kai hiding in the mountains of Utah in a tent while fearing for his family’s safety. It’s unclear what actually caused the incident, but we’ll keep you updated if we see more. Alright, that’s it! Happy new year and we’ll see you Monday for the Live event! https://dronexl.co/2024/01/01/rescue-missing-student-dji-drone/ https://dspalliance.org/what-the-2023-national-defense-authorization-act-means-to-the-uas-industry/