The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a technical opinion on the future of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the skies over the European Union (EU), dividing them into three classes, and issuing 27 recommendations for their safe operation in EU airspace.

The proposed regulatory framework creates operational categories based not on weight, but on operational parameters:

• Open Category: Consumer-grade vehicles operated without the involvement of an aviation authority. These would include aircraft flown only within the visual line of sight of the operator, at a defined maximum altitude below airspace used by manned aircraft and at specified distances from airports and sensitive zones. These vehicles would not be allowed to fly over crowds, and they would need to meet industry standards in the case of "toys" that weigh less than 500 grams (17.67 ounces).
• Specific Category: Aircraft in this category include vehicles used by the media in urban areas, as well as industrial inspection aircraft. They could also be larger tethered vehicles. These unmanned aircraft would need to undergo a specific operation risk assessment, which would identify all hazards to third parties on the ground or in the air. These vehicles would be governed by an operation authorization specific to their type, airworthiness and operational parameters.
• Certified Category: These systems could include international transport operations involving larger unmanned aircraft, which may involve carrying cargo or people in such a way that the risk-assessment process used to approve aircraft in the Specific Category is not sufficient. Operators of these vehicles would need to be certified and pilots licensed.

https://www.nbaa.org/ops/intl/eur/20160128-european-aviation-safety-agency-lays-out-possible-roadmap-for-unmanned-aircraft-systems-airspace-integration.php

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2473089

XK X500 is out now. Looks like a very interesting quadcopter in the (sub) Phantom price bracket.

But I suppose it would be dreaming to imagine it could lift a RX100 underneath it??

You're not kidding. They even dropped the arbitrary 4.4 lb limit in favor of risk categories. Get ready for more expensive "risk compliant" models to arrive on the scene for commercial use. They'll probably rule the Phantom 4 with dual IMUs, dual compass and 2.9 lb fly weight to somehow be non-compliant. There are already some models being peddled to the media with features designed to meet FAA specs, whatever that final determination is - http://www.tvtechnology.com/equipment/0005/aerobo-micro-drone-to-take-off-at-sxsw/278133

Report PDF

http://www.faa.gov/uas/publications/media/Micro-UAS-ARC-FINAL-Report.pdf

Now your drone will spy on you

As of now, 'GEO' works only with updated Phantom 3 and Inspire 1 products. DJI notes that "in general" they will not turn over any of your personal information or flight data to authorities, but they acknowledge that the information entered, including when and where you unlocked and operated your drone, in addition to your own personal information, can be handed over in the event of an investigation. The requirements for DJI to deliver your information to authorities varies by country, but in the United States a subpoena, warrant or court order will be necessary.

Fuckers.

I have to admit that I wasn’t really expecting to be wowed by the Xioami drone and really thought it would be nothing more than a DJI clone with a few Xiaomi touches here and there, but I have been proven wrong and indeed I have been wowed.

http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/15086/xiaomi-mi-drone-lauched#Item_10

DJI Spark. It's smaller than the Mavic Pro. It's a rumor for now but as you can see, it does appear to be the real deal. https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/06/the-leaked-dji-spark-looks-to-be-the-mavic-pros-little-bother/?ncid=rss

Teaser video for a May 24th announcement. Most likely the DJI Spark.