Drones have become the “must have” 21st century gift, costing as little as $20 and being simple to operate.
And it’s precisely because they’re cheap and easy to use, that aviation and industry officials are worried all these little drones in the skies could cause some major safety issues.
The Federal Aviation Administration, along with drone industry trade groups and model aircraft hobbyists are launching a safety campaign targeting amateur drone operators. “Know Before You Fly” includes information on FAA regulations and advice on how to use the drones in a safe manner and “do’s,” such as flying the device below 400 feet, and “don’ts,” such as flying it so far you can’t see it.
Federal officials are getting in on the safety act too, with the Obama administration expected to issue regulations on drone operation soon, including how to integrate the growing number of drones into the country’s aviation policy. Commercial use of drones is banned right now, with the exception of a small number of commercial companies that received an FAA exemption.
“We in Congress are very interested in UAS (unmanned aerial systems)” Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa., chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said at a hearing earlier this month. “We understand UAS are an exciting technology with the potential to transform parts of our economy…. It is our responsibility to take a close look.”
The FAA is considering banning nighttime flights and would require drone operators to get a pilot’s license, but Rep. Shuster calls those proposals too burdensome.
Legislators are also getting pushback from the aviation industry who say unfettered drones are a safety hazard.
"As a (Boeing) 737 captain, I'll be damned if myself and 178 other people are taken down by a 12-pound or a 50-pound or a 150-pound piece of metal coming through my windshield," said airline pilot Ben Berman at a recent Air Line Pilots Association forum. "There are too many near misses occurring every day like this."
