Drones: Think First, Then Launch

Drone operations present a pressing safety concern for some operators, and the topic was covered at last month’s Business Aviation Safety Summit during a seminar called “Drones and Safety, Think Before you Launch.” Sean McClung, chairman of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Colorado, reported the results of a recent test the nonprofit organization conducted to gauge the visibility of drones to nearby aircraft engaged in agricultural operations. The test used four airplanes, one helicopter and a stock six-pound drone designed for agricultural applications. The UAS flew preprogrammed routes at 100 feet agl and the ag aircraft flew at 250 feet in adjacent fields. None of the pilots spotted the drone during their operations.

Radio communications with the pilots McClung played during his presentation indicated the potential presence of drones can be at minimum a distraction, diverting attention from other hazards of agricultural operations. As a result of the test, UAS Colorado, which promotes the integration of UAS into the National Airspace System, recommends no simultaneous UAS and manned agricultural operations be conducted in the same or adjacent fields. Additionally, UAS need “mandated visibility enhancements and technological solutions,” the latter including detect-and-avoid capability, the organization concluded.