Drone discussions — “Fairfax County is putting together a comprehensive plan for public safety in the county’s use of unmanned aircraft and is looking for public feedback with public meetings.” The Reston one is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Reston Community Center – Hunter Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road). [Tysons Reporter]
Youth Media Awards — Scrawl Books will announce the award winners at 11 a.m. Then at 7 p.m., book enthusiasts can head to 11911 Freedom Drive for a panel discussion and celebration for the winners and honorees. [Youth Media Awards]
Nose to toes yoga — Young kids can try out yoga poses movement while enjoying books and songs with a children’s yoga instructor from 10:30-11:15 a.m. at the Reston Regional Library. The event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Reston Regional Library. [Reston Regional Library]
RA Board of Directors To Set Next Year’s Budget Tonight — Reston Association’s board of directors will meet at 6:30 p.m. at RA headquarters to discuss a broad swath of motions, including capital and operating budgets for next year. The meeting can be viewed live here. [Reston Assocation]
Purchase Poinsettias for South Lakes High School Seniors Graduation Party — Decorate your home and office this holiday season with poinsettias. SLHS is raising money to finance an all-night seniors graduation party. Orders must be received by Nov. 21 and will be ready for pick-up from SLHS on Dec. 1. Medium bundles are $15, large bundles are $25 and a hanging basket is $30. [SLHS]
Cleveland Browns Sign Reston Native Deon King to Active Roster —Â The 6-0, 220 pound second-year player out of Norfolk State was originally signed by Dallas as an undrafted free agent. He appeared in four games for the browns this season while spending five weeks in the practice squad. [247 Sports]
Drones on Parkland: What Do You Think? — The Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking public input on the possibility of expanding the use of drones on county parkland. During the first half of the year, the authority launched an internal study on the topic. Currently, drone pilots can take off and land at Poplar Ford Park only. The authority is considering expanding to other parks. The meeting will take place on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. at Oak View Elementary School. [FCPA]
Reston-area drone owners will still be able to fly their aircraft — at least around here.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has amended its rule put in place in January that banned flying unmanned aircraft in the area within 30 miles of Washington’s restricted air space.
On Wednesday, the FAA said the rule of no unmanned aircraft with 15 miles of DC still stands. But in Reston, which is 18 miles from Washington, drones will still be allowed.
From the FAA:
Under the new procedures, hobbyists and recreational unmanned aircraft operators can fly aircraft that weigh less than 55 lbs. (including any attachments such as a camera) in the area between 15 and 30 miles of Washington, D.C. if the aircraft are registered and marked, and they follow specific operating conditions. The operating conditions require them to fly 400 feet or lower above the ground, stay in the operator’s line of sight, only fly in clear conditions, and avoid other aircraft.
If hobbyists intend to operate within five miles of an airport or heliport, the new procedures also require them to notify the airport, heliport and air traffic control tower, if there is one, before operating.
Commercial and other non-model aircraft operators must register and mark their unmanned aircraft, must have an exemption and comply with it, and must notify the FAA an hour before operating to provide specific flight information.
Public operators, such as federal, state or local governments, must also register and mark their aircraft, must have the appropriate FAA authorization to operate, and must complete the same one-hour notification before operating.
Register your drone on the FAA’s website.
Drone in Sky/Credit: jacinta lluch valero via Flickr
