GTRA hosts drone experts session

The Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Miss., was the site of an experts’ meeting Feb. 18 regarding unmanned aircraft systems regulations and safety tips for new drone-hobbyists. Among the experts providing information were representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration, Aurora Flight Sciences, Mississippi State University's Raspet Flight Research Center, and Columbus Air Force Base. There are FAA regulations for both hobbyists and drones used for commercial purposes. MSU’s Dallas Brooks, who works on researching UAS, talked about a drone-operation knowledge test (Part 107), similar to a driver's license, that is likely to come out from the FAA this summer. CAFB safety officer Capt. Jason Greer discussed ways drone operators could avoid interfering with air operations around the base – warning that some student-aviators fly as low as 500 feet at times. Other airfields fly at lower altitudes, he added. (Source: Columbus Dispatch 02/19/16)