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 (drones under 55 lbs) has rapidly escalated into the millions, making their presence in shared airspace a significant, growing concern.
Most commercial drone operations are regulated by FAA Part 107 and typically occur below 400 feet AGL (the "Drone Zone"), often without requiring communication with uncontrolled airports.
While conflicts with manned aircraft are inevitable, the risk of a drone strike is currently lower than a bird strike; general aviation pilots must increase vigilance, especially in low-altitude "hot spots."
The greatest immediate danger from small drones is often to people on the ground due to operator error and mishandling, rather than to direct collisions with other aircraft.

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.