Growth In Number Of Small UAVs Does Not Automatically Equate To Danger To The Public

The Academy of Model Aeronautics has posted a response to an Associated Press story dated November 12 that indicated that "drone" sightings are up dramatically and "the government is getting near-daily reports — and sometimes two or three a day — of drones flying near airplanes and helicopters or close to airports.”

The AMA responded on its Government Relations Blog with the following:

"There’s no doubt that thousands of small radio control unmanned aircraft, often referred to as “drones”, have been sold in the U.S. over the past 2-3 years. And, tens of thousands of these aircraft are now in the hands of individuals that by and large are not traditional model aircraft enthusiasts and have little to no knowledge of the safety considerations and best practices involved in operating these platforms. One could certainly surmise that the numbers alone account for the growing number of reported encounters. However, the mere sighting of such a device does not necessarily signify that its use poses an imminent threat to life and property.

"By the accounts underscored in the article there should now be a long list of reported unmanned aircraft sightings on file. However to date no information has been made available regarding the nature of these sightings or any investigative findings, leaving the public to believe that a catastrophic event is imminent. In July 2014, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) filed a request with the FAA through the Freedom of Information Act for a copy of the reports of all such sightings as well as the investigative findings. To date, this information has not been provided; yet anecdotal and inflammatory comments regarding the number of sightings continue to be publicized.

"Also, not mentioned in this story is the fact that the FAA proactively solicits the reporting of unmanned aircraft sightings. In a message to its field personnel in July the FAA mandated that Air Traffic Control report all sightings, reported or observed, of unusual or unauthorized unmanned aircraft and remote controlled aircraft activity, or activity considered suspicious or viewed to be a safety hazard. This mandate alone would account for the recent increase in reported sightings. (See the FAA telegraphic message entitled, “Reporting Unauthorized Unmanned Aircraft”)

"These circumstances are exacerbated by the fact that these small unmanned aircraft are marketed as requiring little to no skill/training to fly and there’s no mention of the safety concerns associated with their operation. And because these platforms are being operated for a specific purpose, mainly aerial photography, they are showing up in locations where you would not normally find traditional model aircraft.

"As with any group of individuals, there are a few who willfully act in a careless and irresponsible manner. For the most part, however, UAS enthusiasts are individuals that are otherwise conscientious and well-intended but are ill-informed regarding the safe and responsible use of this technology. It could well be argued that the perceived problems with the growing interest and use of this technology is not caused by a community of self-indulging irresponsible operators but rather the lack of safety related information and educational outreach.

"As the nationwide community-based organization for this activity, the AMA has created the relevant safety guidelines, best practices and operating principles that allow the UAS enthusiast to operate their aircraft and use this technology in a safe and responsible manner. The Academy is partnering with the industry, special interest user groups and other membership associations such as the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) in developing and establishing an educational outreach to this growing community of UAS (Drone) enthusiasts."

(Reposted with permission. Images from file)

FMI: http://amablog.modelaircraft.org/amagov/2014/11/16/ap-reports-drone-sightings-up/