Drones, R/C aircraft, Radio-control

FAA seeks cancellation of Advisory Circular AC 91-57 concerning model aircraft

Cancellation Memo AC 91-57.

The FAA says it is in process of developing a new advisory circular. Oddly, the FAA cites its authority to do this as the 2012 FAA reauthorization act, section 336 which actually says the FAA “may not promulgate any rule or regulation regarding a model aircraft, or an aircraft being developed as a model aircraft, if –” basically, its a hobby model aircraft. Thus, they will issue a new set of voluntary guidelines.

SEC. 336. SPECIAL RULE FOR MODEL AIRCRAFT.

Continue reading FAA seeks cancellation of Advisory Circular AC 91-57 concerning model aircraft →

Drones, R/C aircraft

Senator Feinstein to propose legislation to ban all commercial “drones” usage

A top senator wants to extend the FAA’s ban on drones – The Washington Post. Feinstein has never liked “drones”, but this latest salvo seems to be in response to the gruberized FAA’s government sponsored propaganda report on alleged “near misses”.

More on the Feinstein ban proposal here.

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Drones

FAA appears to misrepresent the rules on model aircraft “drones”

FOIA Response Reveals FAA Routinely Misrepresents the Law Regarding Unmanned Aircraft – DIY Drones.

Read the whole article at the link.

Long ago, the FAA issued an “advisory circular” (AC 91-57), which is not a rule or regulation, regarding model aircraft.  Per the link, the FAA has incorrectly interpreted this advisory notice, which clearly states the notice is a voluntary guideline, as a regulation concerning model aircraft even though the FAA said in a Court filing that “compliance” with the advisory is not mandatory.

The 2012 FAA Reauthorization Act, includes wording that exempts model aircraft from FAA regulations but the FAA seems to be interpreting this law opposite to what the law says.

On a related topic, recent news reports say the FAA has seen an explosive growth in “near misses” with UAS craft. But this appears to be a big stretch.

Continue reading FAA appears to misrepresent the rules on model aircraft “drones” →

3D, 3D Tech, Software

Google intros subtle “three dimensionality” to Android user interface

It’s subtle – page to the bottom to see the sample user interface: What is Google’s Material Design for Android? Appvigil – Android App Security Scanner.

The software API’s provide new “shadow” features to enhance the Z-axis “elevation” dimension of a control or window. Details of the feature are available from Google.

These effects are – so far – very subtle. I am not sure of the point of this –  its a basic element of graphic design that was used in software more than 25 years ago.

An “API” is an “application programming interface”. Operating systems – such as Android, Windows or Mac OS X – expose features to application programs through an interface, known as an “application programming interface” or just API.

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