The Buzz | University finds creative way to test drones outside

Researchers at Kansas State University’s Salina campus have found a unique solution to testing drones in a real-world environment while maintaining safety: They built a very big cage.The Federal Aviation Administration has severe restrictions on where drones can fly outdoors, including a prohibition within five miles of an airport. The college’s campus happens to fall within such a five-mile radius. So, since the school started an unmanned aircraft program in 2008, flights have had to occur offsite.
The 300-foot long, 200-foot wide and 50-foot tall netted structure looks a bit like a fully-enclosed golf driving range. The nets — held up by wooden utility poles — allow the wind, rain, snow or other weather conditions to easily pass into the test area and don’t block GPS signals.