Your Pathfinder club is on a camping trip and decides to bring a drone—a toy-like unmanned aircraft controlled by someone on the ground. They want to get aerial footage for a video recap on Pathfinder Sabbath. Your fellow pathfinder leaders decide to attach a camera to the drone. Sounds like a good idea, right?
A group of students at your university is interested in learning how to use a drone. They have followed the school’s procedures to set up a club.
- Get a sponsor. Check.
- Set up an official drone club. Check.
- Spend an hour each week learning how to remote control the drone and enjoying their time together. Check.
- Register their drones with the Federal Aviation Administration. Do we have to?
With Great Fun Comes Great Responsibility
Anthony Foxx, U.S. Transportation Secretary, stated in a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) press release of drone registration, “Make no mistake: unmanned aircraft enthusiasts are aviators, and with that title comes a great deal of responsibility.”In the same press release, the FAA announced the creation of a registration process for owners of small unmanned aircraft (UAS) weighing between 0.55 lbs. and 55 lbs. However, this is only inclusive to recreational users in the United States.
It’s important to remember that it is the responsibility of the drone user to be in compliance with local government laws. This keeps users safe and helps them avoid fines or penalties.
It’s important to learn the facts and guidelines involved with drone usage. The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) are the co-sponsors of a new educational campaign called “Know Before You Fly.” Current guideline and drone usage tips are covered in the training.
10 Safety Guidelines for Drone Users
Here are the top 10 safety guidelines found on the Know Before You Fly campaign page:- Follow community-based safety guidelines, as developed by organizations such as the AMA. Check and follow all local laws and ordinances before flying over private property.
- Fly no higher than 400 feet and remain below any surrounding obstacles when possible.
- Keep your small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) in eyesight at all times; use an observer to assist if needed.
- Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations, and you must see and avoid other aircraft and obstacles at all times.
- Do not intentionally fly over unprotected persons or moving vehicles, and remain at least 25 feet away from individuals and vulnerable property.
- Contact the airport or control tower before flying within five miles of an airport. Fly no closer than two nautical miles from a heliport with a published instrument flight procedure.
- Do not fly in adverse weather conditions such as in high winds or reduced visibility.
- Ensure the operating environment is safe and that the operator is competent and proficient in the operations of the sUAS.
- Do not fly near or over sensitive infrastructure or property such as power stations, water treatment facilities, correctional facilities, heavily traveled roadways, government facilities, etc.
- Do not conduct surveillance or photograph persons in areas where there is an expectation of privacy without the individual’s permissions.
Drones are actively used in local churches, schools, universities, and church ministries. It is the responsibility of every drone user to manage proactively the risks involved and reduce the chances of these risks occurring.
ARM Cares
Adventist Risk Management, Inc. offers Unmanned Aircraft General Liability coverage to our clients. Contact your account executive to purchase this insurance.To learn more about drone usage, click here to see our info sheet.
