Google Bypasses Flight Regulations Thanks to NASA
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We’ve always known that forming connections at work is important, but Google has managed to take this concept a step further. The Guardian has reveaed that the partnership with NASA allowed Google to test its UAVs in the United States’ aerial territory while bypassing FAA regulations.
The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) regulations allow government agencies to seek authorization for UAV test flights, given that they are the operators or sole owner of the vehicle. Commercial test flights, on the other hand, are banned. Google has found a breach in federal aviation regulations thanks to its partnership with NASA, which allowed it to get the necessary approval, thus bypassing said restrictions. And so Google managed to test its UAV, Project Wing, on private property in the United States.
The documents published by the Guardian reveal technical details about Google’s UAV, which can reach maximum speed of 160 km and weighs less than 25 kilograms. The documents also mention Google’s safety protocol in the case that the UAV loses contact with its operator.
Google requested the information about these test flights remain confidential and not be published, claiming that these details have significant commercial value. According to the company, “The technology under development is highly sensitive and confidential in nature.” Both NASA and Google refused to comment on the publication, but the Guardian has reportedly gotten hold of a document in which NASA states it might produce an authorization for “joint field tests” of unmanned systems.
About a year ago, NASA has called for private, public and academic orgzniations to cooperate with it in researching and developing unmanned aerial systems. Now that everyone has seen how much it pays to work alongside NASA, the space agency better expect a flood of phone calls.
