New data from the airspace security specialist Dedrone has revealed a concerning trend: one-third of all drone flights on the busiest drone flying day of the year, July 4th, violate FAA rules.
On July 4, drone flying becomes particularly popular in the US due to the many Independence Day celebrations, fireworks displays, and other festivities that people want to capture from unique perspectives. However, it is crucial to follow all FAA guidelines and local regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
According to Dedrone, in 2023, there was a 3.7x increase in drones flying too high, endangering other aircraft, and a 4.3x increase in drones entering restricted airspace.
While the consequences of violating these rules are severe for a drone pilot, including felony charges, unauthorized drone activity comes with considerable risks for others too, particularly during high-profile events and holidays when public spaces are crowded.
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Dedrone says that the potential for drones to cause accidents or be used maliciously is a serious threat that cannot be ignored. As such, to keep citizens and environments safe, it’s crucial for drone pilots to understand and adhere to the regulations surrounding drone operations.
The best way drone pilots can help this July 4 is by following a few simple rules:
- Don’t fly above 400 feet
- Don’t fly in restricted airspaces like near active stadiums or airports, in national parks, or heavily protected areas such as Washington DC
- Don’t fly your drone out of your line of sight
- Don’t fly over people
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