In addition to proper maintenance and training, drone operators must pay attention to safety regulations in order to ensure that their operations are conducted safely and legally. The FAA has established a set of rules and regulations that must be followed by all commercial drone operators, including those operating for public safety purposes. These regulations include requirements such as keeping the drone within the operator’s line of sight at all times and maintaining a certain distance from other aircraft or people on the ground. Additionally, some states have implemented their own safety regulations related to drone operations.
Staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and regulations is essential for public safety teams looking to maximize the effectiveness of their drones. By taking advantage of the experience contained there, teams can ensure that their drones are always operating safely, helping them save time and money in the long run.
UAV Safety Management Systems
1. UAV Safety Management Systems are designed to help organizations manage their public safety drone programs in a structured and efficient manner. They include strategies for quantifying risks and establishing procedures for risk mitigation, as well as providing safety assurance that all steps outlined in the program have actually been followed.
2. All UAV pilots must obtain a Remote Pilot Airman Certification from the FAA before operating drones in New York City. For recreational use, they must also pass the TRUST test and take recurrent training every 24 months to maintain aeronautical knowledge recency.
You can read their document Remote Pilot ‒ Small Unmanned Aircraft
Systems – Airman Certification Standards for the detailed view.
3. Organizations looking to incorporate public safety drones into their operations should consider applying for grants such as those offered by the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Services or the City of New York’s Office to Prevent Gun Violence. Additionally, DARTdrones has offered $100,000 in grant funds for public safety departments while the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) offers to fund for emergency response training programs.
4. The Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) will host APSCON 2023 and APSCON Unmanned 2023 concurrently in Orlando FL from July 17-22 2023. This conference is designed to educate and prepare first responder UAS program managers and remote pilots for public safety UAS operations.
5. For fire service drone administrators and operators, NFPA has developed a free 4-hour online training program covering topics such as safe operation deployment and implementation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). Additionally, organizations may choose to fly under a Certificate Of Waiver Or Authorization (COA), which requires an application process but can be made easier with Part 107 Training.
FAA Drone Safety Test
The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) is a collaboration between the FAA and industry to provide education and testing for recreational drone flyers on important safety and regulatory information. The test can be taken online through any of the FAA-approved test administrators, such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics or Pilot Institute.
1. Who needs it?
Anyone who wants to fly a drone for fun – all recreational flyers are required to pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). The test covers aeronautical knowledge and safety. The Academy of Model Aeronautics is one of 17 FAA-approved TRUST Test Administrators. https://www.trustfaa.com/ is an official website where recreational flyers can take the TRUST exam online.
2. TRUST 4 Sections
– Requires
To fly recreationally, a person must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license. They must also complete an online training course and pass a knowledge test.
– Preparation
Before flying, a person should check the weather, plan their flight path, and be aware of any obstacles or distractions in the area.
– Safety
When flying, a person should always have a visual line of sight with their UAS, and avoid flying in bad weather or at night.
– Limitations
A person should be aware of their USA’s connection/signal strength, as well as any automated features it may have. They should also practice flights before flying for the first time.
Important details:
– Recreational drone pilots must follow all FAA regulations, including not flying over 400 feet above ground level.
– Before flying your drone, check with a LAANC UAS Service Supplier or the B4UFLY app to find out if the airspace you plan to fly in is restricted/needs authorization.
– If you are using a drone for work, you must obtain authorization from LAANC or FAADroneZone.
– Flying your drone requires concentration and skill, and can be dangerous if done incorrectly.
– Always keep your drone in sight and avoid flying near people or obstacles.
3. What is the cost of the test?
TRUST Completion Card: ID Card $14.99 + $2.25 shipping = $17.24
TRUST Completion Card: ID card with lanyard $24.99 + $2.25 = $27.24
4. What does the test cover?
The test covers important safety and regulatory information for recreational drone flyers.
5. How long does The TRUST test take?
The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) takes about 30 minutes to complete. For those with no prior knowledge or background understanding of drones and the FAA regulations surrounding the use of drones, it may take up to an hour to read through the provided study material and take the short quizzes.
Given the increasing importance of drones in public safety operations, it is important for teams to partner with reliable repair services such as Repairs Bay in Brooklyn. With experienced technicians and comprehensive repair services, Repairs Bay can help keep your drones running optimally so that you can focus on your own goals!
