FAA approves bid for UAV flights in civil airspace

摘要

Unmanned air vehicle manufacturer Applied Research Associates (ARA) has been granted permission by the US Federal Aviation Administration to perform flights in civil airspace using its Nighthawk IV micro-UAV. The approval covers flights for demonstrations, crew training and research and development from its facility in Randolph, Vermont, according to Albuquerque, New Mexico-based ARA. The approval of the "special airworthiness certificate" by the FAA follows a review by regulators of factors including safety, manufacturing, inspection, maintenance and crew training procedures related to the 0.9kg (2lb) Nighthawk IV, says the company.