Drone safety 101

Abstract

Drones are unique, yet immensely versatile, vehicles. Novel opportunities are being discovered almost on a weekly basis and operators are reinventing their businesses to accommodate these useful tools and employ them to maximum effect. On the flipside, Aviation Regulators are struggling to keep up with the rapid pace at which the technology is developing in support of the aforementioned. To add fuel to fire, with numbers rising each year, the increasing potential for irresponsible use remains a concern within aviation circles. This presentation deals with this by firstly showcasing the differences between manned and unmanned aviation, and explains how this compounds the risk factor. It then aims to provide an overview of the safety processes implemented by SACAA – and international authorities – to regulate commercial drone operations. At the end of the presentation delegates will have a better understanding of the reality of safety requirements linked to drone operations, and will also understand how these concerns can be mitigated through compliance to basic safety principles, as well as to the current (and future) drone-specific regulatory framework.