General drone safety thoughts...

So this last week a group of local drone business owners and pilots, myself included, did a demo and some education at a local school for the kids. It was fun, but a bit stressful keeping an eye on so many variables at once (kids are kids after all and don't always have the best self control). I also got interviewed for an article on drone safety and best practices. Since the holiday season is quickly coming up (honestly a bit too quickly - can we wait until after Halloween at least before seeing Christmas trees?!?!), many kids (and big kids) are eyeing the shiny new crop of drones that have been released for the holiday season. Many people will get these for Christmas, and unfortunately many of those will be lost, crashed or cause damage before New Year's morning.

With that in mind, I thought it would be a good chance to go over some of the ideas I gave in the article as to how to have fun with your drone and not get hurt or crash it. After all, these usually aren't cheap machines and people's safety is priceless.

1) Propellers hurt! A lot of us have gotten cut forgetting this - look at Trevor Bauer of the Cleveland Indians. It is easy to become too comfortable around the machines and forget that they have sharp blades spinning at high speeds. It is best to remember to give them space - preferably at least 30 feet other than when it is absolutely necessary.

2) They are experimental flying robots - heavy on the experimental. It is easy to get used to it working because it always does. Don't forget those times that it didn't behave how you thought it would. From firmware issues to pilot error to lost props to bird strikes, keep safety in mind at all times and have a plan. 3) Checklists are invaluable - manned aircraft use them and they help avoid accidents. These help with drones too. Make one with all possible failures in mind, and stick to it. Don't let your ego or eagerness get the better of you even just once, or it may be the last time you see it before it flies off. 4) Practice! Many people let the computerized side of the drone do the flying - they let the gyros and GPS control it. Some time needs to be spent in full manual mode (ATTI for DJI). Practice on a calm day and be ready to switch back if you get in trouble. This is a great way to be prepared for when those systems hiccup - because they will. 5) Never forget safe practices. Don't fly over people, keep it in sight, be aware of your surroundings, be in control. You can easily push the edge on these, but you won't know where the edge is until you go over it. One slip or gust while going low over people can easily injure people. Not paying attention or seeing your drone can end you in a crash fast - just look at YouTube!

6) Drinking and drones don't mix. Same with any mind altering chemicals. If you have a driving warning on medications, think twice. Sometimes a quick, precise reaction is needed and you don't want anything getting in the way of your best. It can sound fun to "just take the drone up" after a couple of drinks, but it is a great way to crash your drone. Just don't do it.

6) Practice! Don't forget that safe flying, particularly with the more basic systems, is a skill. You need to keep it up and practice. The ideal practice area is wide open (several acres at least) and vacant of people, trees, cars, etc that can be damaged. Make sure you are clear of airports and other aerial hazards and keep your eyes open. You need to be confident of what you are doing the more complex the area you are flying is.

Hopefully that gives you an idea of how you can have a drone and fly safely and have fun for a long time. Make sure you are registered with the FAA and follow all local laws. Above all else, be safe and enjoy the view!