As part of the ongoing speaker series across, the Management and Engineering Departments partnered to provide students with an expert’s presentation on the new drone regulations that went into effect this April 2021. Aviation Attorney, Loretta Alkalay, presented the novel Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and intricacies in the emerging and multifaceted fields related to drones to students on Thursday, April 15. Alkalay is also an adjunct professor at the College specializing in issues related to compliance with federal aviation regulations.

The speaker series not only highlighted drone registration and the regulations but focused on the use of remote identification and the conditions for flying in various airspaces. Remote identification requires identification of drones in flight as well as the location of their control stations. This provides crucial information when it comes to public safety and airspace awareness.

Participants were also shown the changes in Part 107 that went into effect on Tuesday, April 6. Part 107 currently restricts drone activities over individuals, over moving vehicles and around evening time unless the operator acquires a waiver from the FAA. The newly, updated regulations jointly provide increased flexibility to conduct certain small drone operations without obtaining a waiver. Also, effective this month is night flying without a waiver. Part 107 pilots can now fly during the evening without a waiver if they have passed all exams, recurrent training and if the drone has anti-collision lighting that is visible for at least three miles.

The speaker series also provided students with the opportunity to discuss a variety of careers related to drones, ranging from law to manufacturing, operations, and automated vehicles.