Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. –
Due to popularity and past holiday sales, the amount of
drones has soared.
The Federal Aviation Administration estimated more than one
million drones were sold during the year-end holiday season. With that many new
drones added to existing numbers, federal, state and local officials are
concerned about safety, security and privacy related to these remotely piloted
aircraft.
Some of the biggest concerns are drones being used in close
proximity to aircraft, personal privacy and terrorist attacks. There are
numerous accounts of commercial jets reporting drones in close proximity and
even accounts of explosives and radioactive material loaded into them. The overall
message is to think about where the drone is flying and act accordingly.
"Drones are highly capable machines and can be abused.
Privacy is a basic right and some people feel that their rights are being
violated should the drone have a camera," said Victor Duckarmenn, 21st
Space Wing Program Management Division quality assurance manager and operations
security expert. "The rules are quite specific in the use of drones and
permissions, certifications and registration are for the public good."
In 2015, the FAA released rules for hobbyists operating
drones. A drone must be operated within sight of the remote pilot during
daylight hours. This rule allows for corrective lenses worn by the pilot, but
not the cameras on the craft itself. The aircraft cannot fly higher than 400
feet in altitude and must be operated at less than 100 mph. They have to give
way to all other aircraft and local air traffic control must be notified when
drones are operated within 5 miles of an airport.
The rules also say operators must not fly over sensitive
areas and structures, such as power facilities, prisons and water treatment
plants and remain 25 feet away from individuals and vulnerable property.
All drones that are heavier than .55 pounds must be
registered and documents displayed upon request. Drones between about a half a
pound and 55 pounds in weight must be registered and the FAA has a website to
help in taking care of that requirement.
"The most important thing to remember is your training
in safety," Duckarmenn said. "There is available drone flight
training and annual shows where you can pick up pointers from experienced
flyers."
The terrorism concerns are serious. In 2011, CNN reported
that the FBI arrested a man who was trying to use a model fighter jet loaded
with explosives to attack places like the Pentagon and the U.S. Capitol. In
another report from last year, the news network said a drone containing a small
amount of radioactive cesium was found on the roof of the Japanese prime
minister's office.
More recently, the Agence France-Presse reported from the
DEF CON hacker conference in Las Vegas that a demonstration showed a drone
could be loaded with equipment to break into wireless networks.
"Remember – the system is wireless and can be
commandeered. Firmware on these devices has not evolved as much as its
popularity," Duckarmenn said.
He recommends joining local drone clubs to learn about, and
stay up on, rules and to avoid making legal mistakes.
For more information, check out the FAA website at
https://www.faa.gov/uas/, or the Small UAV Coalition website at
http://www.smalluavcoalition.org/.