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Posts Tagged ‘regulations’

Fujifilm discontinues Velvia 100 in US after new EPA regulations

07 Jul

Fujifilm has announced it will no longer sell Fujichrome Velvia 100 in the United States due to regulations put in place by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The announcement, posted to Fujifilm’s website, cites a new regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which prohibits the processing and distribution phenol, isopropylated phosphate (3:1) (PIP (3:1)) (CASRN 68937–41–7, a chemical that is found in very trace amounts in the layers of Fujichrome Velvia 100 (Fujifilm claims less than 0.0003% is found in the emulsion).

A screenshot of Fujifilm’s announcement.

The European Chemicals Agency says PIP (3:1) is found in various consumer products, including ‘lubricants and greases, coating products, adhesives and sealants, polymers, photo-chemicals and hydraulic fluids.’

While Fujifilm refutes the harm this chemical does to the environment, saying ‘Fujifilm believes that the trace amount of PIP (3:1) in the FUJICHROME Velvia 100 Professional films pose[s] no risk to the environment,’ they are still obligated to adhere to the ban, which will go into effect on September 5, 2021. Despite not being required to stop working with PIP (3:1) until September, Fujifilm says it has discontinued Velvia 100 effective immediately.

A 3D rendering of phenol, isopropylated phosphate (3:1).

It should go without saying that U.S. retailers will likely still have some of the emulsion available until their respective stocks are completed. As such, if you’re in the U.S. and want to get your hands on some of the last legally-available Velvia 100 before the ban, you might want to act fast. Just be sure to read the Safety Data Sheet Fujifilm has provided in regards to handling the film.

This discontinuation doesn’t affect other regions, so if you’re outside of the U.S., no need for concern. Also, while you could purchase it outside of the U.S. and attempt to bring it back (or have someone ship you some), it probably isn’t worth the risk considering it could be confiscated while going through customs.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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What you need to know about the Mavic Mini and drone regulations

13 Dec
DJI’s Mavic Mini weighs 249 grams, making it exempt for registration in the US and other countries with similar regulations.

DJI’s new Mavic Mini recently started shipping out to customers. When it was initially announced the Internet was ablaze with excitement about a drone that weighed under 250 grams, exempting it from registration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and government agencies in other countries where similar laws apply. Comments flooded into drone forums immediately, and a few were concerning.

Some people stated they felt there was no need to abide by airspace regulations and were free to fly anywhere, over people, and at night without a waiver amongst other violations. This, unfortunately, couldn’t be further from the truth. I called upon two of my respected friends and colleagues, one 30-year veteran, and one current employee of the FAA, and referenced a post from an industry expert, to help clear up any misconceptions.

What does ‘no registration’ really mean?

“Of course, sUAS under .55 lbs. (250 grams) do not require registration. However, if the sUAS is being used for commercial work in an effort to be compensated, the aircraft must be registered and FAA Part 107 regulations must be followed by the RPIC (Remote Pilot-in-Command),” said Samuel Nelson, who made it clear he wasn’t speaking on behalf of the FAA and was, instead, giving his personal opinion based on his understanding as the Boston regional FaastTeam STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Applied Mathematics) Pro.

Some people stated they felt there was no need to abide by airspace regulations and were free to fly anywhere… this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Nelson adds “If flying as a hobbyist, you can avoid registration. However (remote pilots) still must abide to by FAA AC 91-57B AND Title 49 of the United States Code (49 U.S.C) § 44809. People must also remember DJI AeroScope systems can detect drones under .55 lbs. and the serial [number] can be identified to allow for a subpoena to identify the legal owner of the aircraft.”

Ryan LaTourette, who runs That Drone Blog and is and admin on the UAV Legal News & Discussion Facebook group pointed out the obvious: “The lesser weight does not negate that the Mavic Mini is still in the eyes of the FAA a drone, an aircraft… Mavic Mini operators are not given a free pass to fly wherever and whenever they wish. The only change at this point is the need to pay $ 5 to the FAA for a certificate of aircraft registration.”

Drones small enough to fit in the palm of your hand aren’t necessarily toys. They have a lot of beneficial uses.

What does this mean? A remote pilot flying recreationally must adhere to the following guidelines, including but not limited to:

  • The aircraft is flown within the visual line of sight of the person operating the aircraft or a visual observer co-located and in direct communication with the operator.
  • The aircraft is operated in a manner that does not interfere with and gives way to any manned aircraft.
  • In Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport, the operator obtains prior authorization from the Administrator or designee before operating and complies with all airspace restrictions and prohibitions.
  • In Class G airspace, the aircraft is flown from the surface to not more than 400 feet above ground level and complies with all airspace restrictions and prohibitions.

Commercial use

While others, including myself, didn’t feel the Mavic Mini was appropriate for commercial use, LaTourette pointed out that people shouldn’t be so narrow minded. He explains that drones even smaller than the Mini, such as Verity’s Lucie micro drone, have been used in professional scenarios for the past few years. Ryze’s Tello drone has been an instrumental tool in getting folks, especially children, excited about STEAM education. Intel drones, weighing in at 68 grams, are responsible for putting on the world’s most elaborate fireworks displays.

Verity drones weigh a mere 50 grams and have completed over 150,000 autonomous flights safely over people at rock concerts and other live events.

If you plan on using the Mavic Mini for commercial purposes in the United States, meaning you plan to receive compensation for work conducted with your drone, you will need to register the drone plus have your Part 107 certification. I personally recommend Remote Pilot 101 for straightforward, affordable training. There is, of course, a conundrum that comes with following the rules.

Loretta Alkalay, an aviation attorney who spent 30+ years with the FAA as Regional Counsel, had the following to say: “As far as the weight issue, the FAA’s drone laws are not rationally related to the potential safety impact of very small drones. That results in people either intentionally ignoring the laws because they are overly restrictive or failing to even realize that laws apply. Coupled with the lack of FAA enforcement, the people most penalized are those who do know the regulations and choose to comply with them. Of course, those who violate the regulations and get caught could face serious consequences, depending on the violation and circumstances.”

The people most penalized are those who do know the regulations and choose to comply with them.

Speaking of impact, lower weight gives potential to the criteria for the FAA’s latest NPRM on easement of the §107.39 regulation for flight over people. Flying over people is currently prohibited under the §107.39 regulation. No one may operate a drone over people unless they are directly participating in the operation or are shielded under a covered structure such as a car.

So why make a lightweight drone?

DJI is certainly proud of themselves for fitting some of their most advanced features into a drone that weighs 249 grams upon takeoff. So why stuff all those features into a tiny package? Safety and the impending ruling for allowing flight over people are two top reasons.

According to a DJI Hub article that was shared by the company’s Vice President of Policy & Legal Affairs, Brendan Schulman, “regulators in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, continental Europe, Australia, and other regions have agreed that drones weighing less than 250 grams (0.55 pounds) are virtually harmless. In a fall or a collision, a sub-250g drone is just not going to cause the same kind of damage as a heavier drone.”

The Mavic Mini is tiny compared to other compact drones like the Mavic 2 Pro, but you still need to follow the normal rules when flying it.

In spite of negative media coverage, drones have been proven to be safe while providing many benefits to numerous industries including healthcare, construction, mining, agriculture and more. As Samuel Nelson pointed out earlier, the Mavic Mini is also equipped with AeroScope for Remote Identification which allows safety and security officials to detect, identify, and locate the drone and its pilot during flight if necessary. Going lighter and more compact, to ensure safety when performing complex operations, is a logical trend that is taking hold of the industry.

To find out if a Mavic Mini is an ideal purchase for you, check out our comprehensive review.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Make Sure You Know all the Drone Regulations Before You Fly

23 Oct

Everywhere you look, it seems like everyone has their hands on a drone. YouTube is crawling with aerial drone footage, and you can buy one at just about any electronics store. But just because drones are everywhere doesn’t mean you can (legally) fly them anywhere.

Here at dPS, we dove into topics such as tips to get started with drone photography and how to get stunning aerial photos with your drone. One thing we haven’t covered that’s worth talking about is where you can and can’t fly your drone. Read on for some tips on things to consider before you fly a drone.

Aerial Drone Photography Rules - Drone Regulations to Consider Before Traveling With One

Why Are There Drone Regulations?

On the surface, drones may seem like fun toys or new tools to add to your photography or videography kit. After all, they’re marketed as such and most of the time, they don’t do any visible harm. However, drones can be dangerous from the perspective of privacy and physical safety.

No one likes the idea of a drone spying on them, or worse yet, a drone that comes crashing down and damages property or hurts someone. But these very plausible scenarios are exactly why drone regulations exist – to protect drone pilots and the general public from accidents.

Aerial Drone Photography Rules

Who Makes Drone Regulations?

So who comes up with drone rules and regulations? That depends entirely on where you live. Generally speaking, drones are considered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and as such, they are regulated by the national aviation authority of each country. Thus, most countries will have their own rules, and often each state or city within the country might have further regulations.

So it’s important to do extensive research about where specifically you plan to fly your drone. Punishment for violating drone regulations can be hefty fines or even imprisonment, so it is very important to follow drone rules, especially in foreign countries.

What Kind of Drone Regulations Are There?

Aerial Drone Photography Rules

Drone rules vary in every country, but here a few common ones:

Register Your Drone

Today, drones vary from fitting in the palm of your hand to requiring a large backpack to transport them. Generally speaking, drones weighing any more than 0.55 pounds must be registered with your national aviation association before flying.

Get Licensed to Fly

Some countries require drone operators to pass an exam to get a license before flying a drone, so be sure to get licensed if it’s necessary.

Aerial Drone Photography Rules Drone Regulations to Consider Before Traveling With One

Get Insurance for Your Drone

In some places, you must have insurance for your drone in order to fly. But drone insurance is something you should have any way to protect your investment.

Avoid Flying over People and Properties

Even the tiniest drone can be a hazard to someone or something if it comes crashing down from the sky or runs into an airplane. As a general rule, don’t fly your drone over crowds of people or near private or government property. You should also avoid flying near airports or helipads.

Sample Drone Regulations in the USA

Drone Regulations to Consider Before Traveling With One

In the United States, drones are considered unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). As such, they are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). There are two sets of regulations: one for those flying drones for fun, and one for those flying for commercial (professional) reasons. A summary of the FAA rules is below, with more details available here.

  • Flying drones for recreational or educational use is okay without a permit. Drones must be registered if they weigh over 0.55 lbs (250g). Drones cannot be flown within five miles of an airport or helipad without prior notification to the airport and air traffic control.
  • If flying for commercial use, the drone pilot must be over 16 years of age, have a Remote Pilot Airman Certificate, and pass TSA vetting. The drone must fly under 400 feet and at or below 100 miles per hour. Drones can only fly during the daytime, and must not fly over people.

For More Information

  • Global Drone Regulations Database
  • Master List of Drone Laws

Apps

  • UAV Forecast
  • Hover

https://www.faa.gov/uas/

In Conclusion

If your head is spinning when you reach the end of this article, you’re not alone. There are many more drone rules and regulations than most people know about, which makes enforcement of them very patchy.

What’s more is that drone regulations are in a constant state of flux, so it’s hard to say exactly what rules exist and apply at a given time. But with that said, it’s better to know the rules and do your best to follow them, or risk getting arrested and potentially fined like this French tourist in Italy.

The post Make Sure You Know all the Drone Regulations Before You Fly by Suzi Pratt appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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Judge determines FAA drone rules take precedence over local regulations

27 Sep

A court has ruled that federal drone laws trump local drone regulations in instances where the two are in conflict, setting a new and very important precedent for commercial and recreational drone pilots alike. The ruling was passed down by US District Judge William G. Young during a legal case involving the city of Newton, Massachusetts, and its drone regulations that are even more restrictive than the FAA’s rules.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the lawsuit was brought by Newton resident Michael Singer, who challenged four Newton provisions including a requirement to get permission before flying a drone over private property. The city had argued that the FAA allows for the local co-regulation of civilian drones, but Judge Young ruled otherwise, in part because the local regulations were sometimes in direct conflict with the FAA’s.

For instance, whereas the FAA allows small drones to be operated below 400ft, the city of Newton’s provisions banned the operation of drones below that altitude if they were over private property. This left pilots only one legal option: get permission from each property owner over whose property the drone would pass. Otherwise you’d either be violating Newton’s laws or the FAA’s regulations.

Referring to this particular law, Judge Young stated, “This thwarts not only the FAA’s objectives, but also those of Congress for the FAA to integrate drones into the national airspace.”

Newton drone provisions that weren’t challenged by the lawsuit have been left in place, and the city has indicated that it may appeal the ruling.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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FAA proposes regulations for commercial drone usage

21 Feb

The FAA’s plan to regulate drone usage has been a long running cause of concern among enthusiasts and those hoping to use UAVs for commercial purposes. Thus far speculation has pegged the budding regulations as unnecessarily restrictive, but the new officially revealed FAA proposal shows those concerns to largely be unfounded. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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