Where The Drones Are

Understanding how drones-in FAA parlance, an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) is sometimes called a drone-are used is the first step toward avoiding an unexpected and unwanted encounter. In its recently released Part 107 regulations on commercial use of UAS, the FAA focused on small UAS, craft weighing under 55 pounds. Given their numbers and popularity, this is the class of systems with which we should be most concerned.

Editorial Staff

Thursday, September 15, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The number of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, has rapidly increased, leading to new FAA Part 107 regulations governing their commercial operation, primarily within airspace below 400 feet AGL.
Despite increasing drone presence, the article argues the immediate risk of mid-air collision with manned aircraft is currently lower than that posed by birds, with the greatest danger from small drones often being to people on the ground due to mishandling.
Manned aircraft pilots must adapt to sharing the "Drone Zone" (airspace below 400 feet AGL) by understanding drone operating patterns, expecting their presence, and redoubling vigilance with "see and avoid" practices.

See a mistake? Contact us.

The drones—they are among us. Though not yet as prevalent as Canada geese, their number has exploded as economies of scale in manufacturing and the Moore’s law effect have resulted in both lower prices and greater capabilities with each successive generation. From an aviation safety standpoint, these are the drones you should be looking for because you are most likely to encounter them.

Understanding how drones—in FAA parlance, an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) is sometimes called a drone—are used is the first step toward avoiding an unexpected and unwanted encounter. In its recently released Part 107 regulations on commercial use of UAS, the FAA focused on small UAS, craft weighing under 55 pounds. Given their numbers and popularity, this is the class of systems with which we should be most concerned.