Key Takeaways
- New FAA report reveals that drone safety records remain exemplary, with no incidents of drones colliding with manned aircraft.
- The number of potential drone sightings is increasing at a significantly slower pace than the growth of drone usage for various purposes.
- The Drone Manufacturers Alliance emphasizes the importance of responsible flying practices while continuing to innovate for enhanced safety.
DJI Supports Positive Trends in Drone Safety
February 23, 2017 – In a world buzzing with aerial innovation, DJI, the frontrunner in unmanned aerial vehicle technology, is pleased to relay an encouraging statement released earlier today by the Drone Manufacturers Alliance (DMA). This statement highlights recent findings from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that showcase the impressive safety records of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
The Drone Manufacturers Alliance, which advocates for leading manufacturers within the civilian drone sector, is heartened by the FAA’s latest report on drone sightings. This document reiterates that as drone usage becomes more prevalent across commercial and recreational platforms, the incidents of safety concerns remain remarkably low. The FAA has effectively opened up the skies for the safe, legal, and authorized use of drones and anticipates a significant increase in their utilization—projecting a nearly double growth in the upcoming year.
Safety in Numbers
While drone usage is on the rise, the FAA’s report reveals that the rate of reported “possible drone sightings” is growing considerably slower. A particularly remarkable finding is that throughout numerous investigations into alleged drone and manned aircraft collisions, the FAA has never determined that a drone was involved; instead, the causes were identified as birds, ground hazards like wires, or unrelated structural failures.
“Analysis of FAA data has demonstrated that many reported ‘possible drone sightings’ frequently turn out to be legitimate drone flights, or even objects that clearly are not drones,” stated Kara Calvert, Director of the Drone Manufacturers Alliance. “We anticipate this trend to continue, underscoring our commitment to ensuring that all users fly safely and responsibly.”
The DMA is dedicated to promoting safe drone operation, encouraging its members to remain engaged in developing innovative technologies aimed at enhancing operational safety. Collaborating closely with the FAA, the DMA actively supports educational initiatives such as the Know Before You Fly campaign, which aims to inform drone operators about safety practices.
The Bigger Picture
The FAA’s report emphasizes the importance of context in interpreting claims of potential drone sightings. Every reported sighting is described as a “potential encounter,” submitted by a range of sources including pilots, air traffic controllers, law enforcement officials, and the public. With a cautious approach, the report emphasizes the necessity of discerning factual incidents from mere reports.
“This report demonstrates that potential drone sightings must be carefully analyzed within the appropriate context,” said Calvert. “Our dedication is to ensuring that drones are utilized safely and responsibly—even as traditional sky hazards like birds and infrastructure continue to present risks.”
About the Drone Manufacturers Alliance
Comprising prominent industry players such as 3DR, DJI, GoPro, and Parrot, the Drone Manufacturers Alliance acts as the collective voice for drone makers, advocating for policies that inspire innovation while ensuring safety for all users of small drones. The coalition champions policies that foster a sensible and responsible regulatory environment geared toward civilians, government entities, and public safety applications. More information about the DMA can be found at http://dronemanufacturersalliance.org.
For additional inquiries, contact Kara Calvert, Executive Director, at kcalvert@franklinsquaregroup.com.
About DJI
DJI is a leading innovator in the development and manufacturing of drone and camera technology suited for both commercial and recreational uses. Founded by enthusiasts of remote-controlled helicopters, DJI has established itself as a pioneer in flight-control technology and camera stabilization. Committed to making aerial photography and filmmaking more accessible, reliable, and user-friendly, DJI supports users across various sectors including filmmaking, construction, emergency response, agriculture, and conservation. Currently, DJI operates globally, serving customers in over 100 countries.
For media inquiries, contact Adam Lisberg, DJI Corporate Communication Director, North America, at adam.lisberg@dji.com.
Discover more about DJI at www.dji.com and stay connected via our social media platforms: follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DJI, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DJIGlobal, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/DJI.
