uAvionix announced on Tuesday that it will provide free pingRX Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS/drone) ADS-B receivers to “first responders and UAS service organizations participating in rescue and recovery efforts associated with Hurricane Dorian.” The company cautioned drone operators not to rely on ADS-B data alone to detect and avoid traffic and highlighted the need to follow published FAA guidance—such as compliance with NOTAMs and TFRs—for UAS operations in areas affected by the hurricane.
“Over the past few years, the use of drones in hurricane and natural disaster recovery efforts has increased significantly due to the value of the real-time data collected in combination with ease of deployment,” said uAvionix President Christian Ramsey. “First responders and recovery crews will undoubtedly work tirelessly for weeks in response to Dorian. We hope to make these efforts just a bit safer and encourage good airspace safety practices with the use of the pingRX systems.”
The uAvionix pingRX dual-frequency ADS-B receiver is designed for drone use, weighing in at approximately 5 grams. When integrated with a compatible autopilot, the pingRX shows local ADS-B-equipped traffic on the UAS ground control station display. Retail price for the unit is $249.
