Drones at the Speedway: A Presentation to The Racing Attorneys Conference (TRAC)

On April 15, 2015 I'll be on a panel discussing hot topics in the law at The Racing Attorneys Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.  I'll be talking about the legalities of unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs) or "drones" in the motor racing industry. I've posted a link to my presentation here if you are unable to attend:

Drones at the Speedway: TRAC Conference Presentation

Don't Forget the Little Guy: FAA's Proposed Rules for "Micro" UAVs

Many articles have been written about the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) proposed rules for "small" unmanned aircraft systems ("small UAS" or "small UAVs"). But most authors have overlooked that the FAA is also considering special, less stringent rules for "micro" UAVs.  Micro UAVs weigh less than 4.4 lbs (small drones are less than 55 lbs.) and travel less than 35 mph (small drones are restricted to 100 mph).  This article takes a closer look at the FAA's proposal for micro-UAVs and its promise for agriculture.

Ten Key Points to the FAA's Proposed Small UAV Rule

The Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) has released proposed rules that would govern the integration of “small” unmanned aircraft systems (“small UAS”) into the National Airspace System. The proposed rules specifically state that they would allow crop monitoring and inspection, aerial photography, and research and development—meaning commercial agricultural uses fall squarely within the new rule. Here is my summary of the proposed rule, followed by some suggestions to current and future drone operators.

The Year in Reverse: A Look Back at 2014

Each year I take a look back at the big legal stories in agriculture. This year, the usual wrangling over environmental and livestock issues took a back seat to drones and “big data.” These precision ag stories were everywhere.  But there was also a big fight over future environmental regulations, and that made my list too.  So here it is, my complete list of the top 5 legal ag issues from 2014.

Big Data and Drones at the IN/IL Farm Show

I'm presenting this year again at the Indiana/Illinois Farm Show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Each year, Hoosier Ag Today hosts a series of seminars on different topics for attendees.  I'll be on stage on December 16, 2014 at 11:00 am. My presentation is called: "Data Privacy on the Farm: What You Need to Know." I'll talk about recent data privacy developments and drone news.  I'll be joined by Jim Shertzer and Jim Love from Beck's Hybrids, which recently launched its own data analytic tool: FARMserver.  More information can be found here:  IN/IL Farm Show Seminars.  I hope to see you there!

If you missed my presentation, you can find it here:  Data Privacy on the Farm: What You Need to Know.

While FAA Regulations Stay Grounded, State Drone Laws Take Flight

Harvest photo taken from a UAV.
Thanks @TheChadColby.

Indiana is one of at least twelve states that enacted laws this past year limiting use "unmanned aerial vehicles" (UAVs) or "drones." The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has known about the coming wave of drones for years, but as summer comes to an end in 2014, the FAA still has no regulation on the books. Driven by fears that unregulated drone flights will lead to accidents and the invasion of privacy, many states have filled a perceived regulatory gap with their own anti-drone legislation.

Agricultural Drones: Flying Into Trouble?

Hoosier Ag Today interviewed me following my presentation on drone usage in agriculture at the Big Data/UAV forum in Indianapolis. Here is an excerpt:

Last week we reported on how drones held some important applications for agriculture. A recent air show in Illinois that featured drones drew hundreds of farmers. Yet, the lack of regulations by the government and the lack of clear cut legal precedents could spell trouble for those who try to take off. Todd Janzen, an Indiana Attorney, told HAT that the FAA has not released any rules on the use of drones and, for the time being, considers flying them for commercial purposes illegal, “The FAA says flying drones for recreation or hobby use is OK, but if it is being used for a commercial use that that is illegal. A use for a farm would fall somewhere in between.” He added, currently, farmers are most likely using a drone for a hobby but eventually they will want to use it for commercial applications.
Continue reading at Hoosier Ag Today.