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News and Updates – U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Final Rule to Enhance Air Carrier Pilot Development

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The rule requires specific training for newly-hired pilots and supplemental training for captains.

News and Updates – New Members Join the Drone Advisory Committee

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WASHINGTON The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has appointed two new members to theFederal Aviation Administrations (FAA)Drone Advisory Committee(DAC).

The new members are Christian Ramsey, President of uAvionix Corp., headquartered in Bigfork, MT, and Lee Moak, founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Moak Group in Washington, D.C. They were appointed on February 5, 2020.

The DAC is a broad-based, long-term federal advisory committee that provides the FAA advice on key unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) integration issues by helping to identify challenges and prioritize improvements. The committee helps to create broad support for an overall integration strategy and vision.

Members of the DAC are executives who represent a variety of UAS interests, including industry, research, academia, retail, technology and state and local government.

The DAC is chartered to have up to 35 members. Twelve members were previously added to the DAC on May 20, 2019, to fill open vacancies.

News and Updates – U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces $520.5 Million in Airport Grants

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Grants will help keep our nation’s airports in good shape and make air travel a better experience for passengers.

News and Updates – Mark Your Calendar for the 2020 UAS Symposium

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WASHINGTON The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) will co-host the 5th Annual FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Symposium on June 16-18, 2020, at the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD.

The Symposium will bring together representatives from the FAA, other government agencies, industry, and academia. The presenters and panelists will discuss the latest information and advancements related to the diverse uses of unmanned aircraft, and how these new entrants are being safely integrated into the National Airspace System.

Like in previous years, the FAA will operate an on-site resource center to respond to questions from UAS owners and operators. Subject matter experts will be on hand to answer questions about airspace authorizations, waivers, the Part 107 small UAS rule, changes in hobbyists drone operations, the Remote Identification rulemaking,and other policies and regulations.

With interest in UAS technology, uses and operations at an all-time high, the Symposium is an opportunity for commercial remote pilots and drone enthusiasts to get the latest information on the burgeoning industry from leading experts in the field.

To receive updates on event programming and registration please visit the symposium website.

FAA Contact: Marcia Alexander-Adams; Email: marcia.adams@faa.gov; Phone: 202-267-3488
AUVSI Contact: Tom McMahon; Email: tmcmahon@auvsi.org; Phone: 571-255-7786

News and Updates – Novel Coronavirus Update

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The current outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus originated in China but has now spread internationally, impacting an increasing number of countries. In the coming days and weeks, we expect more confirmed cases in the United States, including more person-to-person spread.

The goal of an aggressive ongoing public health response is to prevent spread of this virus in the community in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide the following guidance to the public:

What You Should Do

  • Stay informed CDC is updating its website daily with the latest information and advice for the public. (www.cdc.gov/ncov)
  • Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection.CDC recommends routine preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses.

These actions include:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

CDC also has specific guidance for travelers.

The federal government has our best people working on this problem.And we have one of the strongest public health systems in the world.

What You Should Not Do

  • CDC does not currently recommend the use of facemasks for the general public. This virus is not spreading in the community. While it is cold and flu season, we dont routinely recommend the use of facemasks by the public to prevent respiratory illness and we certainly are not recommending that at this time for this virus.
  • We understand the recent recommendations including avoiding travel to China and the quarantine of U.S. citizens returning from Wuhan is concerning. The actions the federal government is taking are science-based and with the aim of protecting the health and safety of all Americans.
  • Please do not let fear or panic guide your actions. For example, please dont assume that just because someone is of Asian descent that they have this new coronavirus. There are about 4 million Chinese-Americans in the United States.

Guidance for Air Carriers and Crews