Renegade Flyers

Increased reports of illegal flights threaten industry

On August 12, 2015 the FAA released this statement: “Pilot reports of unmanned aircraft have increased dramatically over the past year, from a total of 238 sightings in all of 2014, to more than 650 by August 9 of this year.”

The FAA wants to send out a clear message that operating drones around airplanes and helicopters is dangerous and illegal. Unauthorized operators may be subject to stiff fines and criminal charges, including possible jail time.

Pilots of a variety of different types of aircraft – including many large, commercial air carriers – reported spotting 16 unmanned aircraft in June of 2014, and 36 the following month. This year, 138 pilots reported seeing drones at altitudes of up to 10,000 feet during the month of June, and another 137 in July. Meanwhile, firefighters battling wildfire blazes in the western part of the country have been forced to ground their operations on several occasions for safety reasons when they spotted one or more unmanned aircraft in their immediate vicinity.

Having fun means flying safely! Hobby or recreational flying doesn’t require FAA approval but you must follow safety guidelines. Any other use requires FAA authorization. Avoid doing anything hazardous to other airplanes or people and property on the ground.

THE “DOs” of FLYING

• Do fly a model aircraft/UAS at the local model aircraft club

• Do take lessons and learn to fly safely

• Do contact the airport or control tower when flying within 5 miles of the airport

• Do fly a model aircraft for personal enjoyment

THE “DON’Ts” of FLYING

• Don’t fly near manned aircraft

• Don’t fly beyond line of sight of the operator

• Don’t fly an aircraft weighing more than 55lbs unless it’s certified by an aeromodeling community-based organization

• Don’t fly contrary to your aeromodeling community-based safety guidelines

• Don’t fly model aircraft for payment or commercial purposes

Thanks to our friends from UAV Systems Association for this helpful information. The UAVSA offers its members information, tools and resource to engage and inform the community and help sUAS businesses succeed. To find out more, visit www.uavsa.org

Unmanned Systems Source is a proud member of UAVSA.