Small Unmanned Aircraft “UAS”

After reading a blog and some articles regarding the FAA's consideration of regulations on Small Unmanned Aircraft “UAS” (Under 55 pounds), more commonly referred to as “Drones,” It continued to amaze me how slow we are with the development of new safety policies, procedures and regulations for new technology and operational systems. It’s always cheaper to build in the safe guards than to add them after someone is injured or dies.

 We continue to see an escalating number of UAS incidents. Most recently being in the Boston area at Fenway Park during an evening baseball game with a full house of families and children in attendance. The drone was under the control of a local juvenile. On a national level there were more than 50 UAS operations that were observed around the 2019 Super Bowl. 38 of the UAS were seized for violating flight restrictions. Commercial airline pilots have seen an increased number of UAS incidents while landing around the country. Sporting events and large gatherings continue to present significant safety and security concerns.

 While on the subject of safety and systems, let us not forget the increasing number of sightings of those green “laser” beams of light during sporting events and at aircraft landings etc.

 During my professional Law Enforcement tenure, service in fortune 100 corporations and most recently in the college campus settings, we saw the development of numerous security and safety enhancements.  All of these required the development of various technologies to support the needs of the organization we served. It also required constant communication, supporting policies, regulations, education, training and informing the public in advance of releasing the product or service. My question, why can’t we follow these same principles with the release of all new products?

 While industry will continue to push the outer limits of developing faster and bigger next generation vehicles, as good corporate citizens they have both a business and moral responsibility to ensure that potential hazards that are found during the formal development process are passed along to the end users. We as consumers are eagerly awaiting the release of the latest technology that will help provide us a benefit both at home and the work place, but, we also are expecting the provider to address any potential safety issues that were discovered as part of the lengthy development process.

 What the consumer really wants is for the developers to give the same level of thought, creativity and detail to the potential short comings as went into the development of the new product and to share the potential short coming of the device. Today’s consumer wants to be told up front what they are getting and to identify potential technology and safety issues up front. “Safety is a two-way partnership and everyone’s responsibility.”