Drones have become an increasingly popular gadget for recreational and commercial purposes. These unmanned aerial vehicles offer exciting possibilities for photography, videography, delivery, search and rescue operations, and more. However, with the increased use of drones comes the need for drone safety. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognizes the importance of safe drone operations, and thus, every year, it hosts Drone Safety Day (DSD).
Purpose of Drone Safety Day
DSD is an annual campaign designed to raise awareness and educate the drone community on the importance of flying safely. The event aims to highlight the societal, economic, and safety benefits of safe drone operations. Businesses, schools, organizations, and individuals can use this opportunity to share their experiences and kick off new safety initiatives. Drone enthusiasts can share their passion for flying with their local community through local and nationwide events.
Safety Message
The right way to fly a drone is safe, whether for recreation or business purposes. The FAA encourages all drone operators to follow these guidelines:
1. Register your drone: All drones not flown for recreational purposes must be registered, regardless of weight. Drones flown recreationally must be registered if they weigh more than 250 grams. You can register your drone through the FAA DroneZone.
2. Interact with others: Join a local organization or FAA-recognized Community Based Organization. Engage in online forums.
3. Gain knowledge: Learn about drone safety and rules at faa.gov/uas. Check the airspace before takeoff through the B4UFLY app or an FAA-Approved LAANC UAS Service Supplier.
4. Have a safety plan: Don’t assume the flight will go as planned. Know what you’ll do if the weather changes or other aircraft or people get close. Check your drone pre- and post-flight to ensure it’s safe to fly. Ensure you have the approval to fly in controlled airspace through an FAA-Approved LAANC UAS Service Supplier or the FAA DroneZone.
5. Trust and Train: Recreational pilots only need to pass TRUST once, before flying. It’s the law, and you may take the free online test through any of the FAA approved test administrators.
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