UAVs (Drones) are becoming more and more popular with pilots, hobbyists, and in several different job-related applications. As technology improves, these aircraft are becoming very advanced and more affordable which will continue to grow their popularity. 

It is important to remember that drone operators are in fact pilots, with all the safety implications that entail. Being a pilot requires that you do your due diligence in terms of understanding how to operate safely within shared airspace. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a list of safety precautions drone operators should consider. These include:

• Do not fly above 400 feet
• Never allow your drone to fly outside visual sightlines
• Do not fly over groups of people, stadiums, or within five miles of an airport
• Never fly near emergency response sites
• Do not fly near other aircraft
• Never fly under the influence

These rules form the core of the smart safety protocol for drone pilots. It is also important to remember that the FAA also has airspace restrictions that vary locally, such as in and around airspace used for airport operations. The FAA has helpfully created a smartphone app (B4UFLy) that allows you to determine if there are any restrictions in place in the area you would like to fly.

While we respect everyone’s right to enjoy this exciting hobby, we would like to ask that pilots please avoid emergency scenes, especially those in which manned aircraft are being utilized. Drones are hard to see for the pilots and ground crews and an in-air collision could result in serious injury or death to the pilots, ground crews, and anyone else in the vicinity of the scene.