The key to flying drones safely is education, says ConsortiQ. Georgina Connaughton, Operations Executive at ConsortiQ says: “Drones are no longer a mysterious technology and they are becoming a viable part of many business models. What’s more, they are now a widespread consumer item used for entertainment purposes. With such a broad spectrum of users there is no common educational ground, leading to skilled, respectful UAV pilots sharing the skies with uneducated operators – like those who are ultimately responsible for the reported incidents that put the safety of others at risk.”
The CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) governs civil aviation and the use of drones in the UK. Towards its goals of keeping airspace, pilots and the public out of harm it has published the Air Navigation Order, outlining guidelines to follow when performing any mission. As well as applying to commercial drones, hobbyist drone pilots must also abide by regulations set by the CAA in order to fly legally and safely.
Georgina Connaughton adds: “There are guides and laws put in place to uphold safety in the industry, but the real problem lies in ensuring these are understood by all drone pilots. The CAA has updated its Drone Code guidelines and released Drone Assist, an app to help budding pilots quickly learn the rules for flying a UAV, and this is a great move – yet only the beginning. We urge all businesses that want to use drones to achieve excellent outcomes to enlist the help of experts. Entering the world of drones with assistance from experienced pilots can leave you with invaluable, extensive knowledge to be used in all future flights and by doing this, even your very first missions can be completed without ever risking the safety of others.”
Besides the Drone Assist app and Drone Code guidelines from the CAA, the UK government has recently announced proposals for drone users to register their drones, taking a safety test before being able to fly. That’s out for consultation to March.
Georgina Connaughton says: “The key to flying drones safely is education and experts in the industry, such as the team at ConsortiQ hold the key to this valuable knowledge.”
Visit: https://consortiq.com/.
Picture by Mark Rowe; no-fly zone sign, Donington Park, East Midlands.
