Newfoundland UAV Company Promotes Safe Use of Drones

As an active participant in the aerial industry in Newfoundland and Labrador, CloudBreaker (Remotely Manned Aerial Image Specialists) are concerned to hear that UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) are being used in local operations (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/drone-used-to-help-find-missing-dog-in-conception-bay-south-1.2973084). We have been hearing more and more about the many uses of UAVs recently and felt it was a good time for the media to discuss some of the safety concerns around the use of these versatile machines.

Safe and proper operation of a drone is important for both the public and the field of aviation. Transport Canada is in the process of developing regulations for this growing industry and until this is done, we are all at risk. The technology of UAVs allows a layperson to fly a drone with little or no training. That being said, ease of use is not a substitution for safe operations. We continue to see videos shared on social media of unsafe and illegal UAV operations; for example, flying on approach to an International Airport, flying a drone after it has crashed without proper inspection, flying without proper safety equipment, and the list goes on.

CloudBreaker’s drone pilots are all certified airline pilots who work for commercial airlines and have a deep understanding of the aviation field and related safety concerns. We encourage the proper and safe use of this technology as outlined by Transport Canada. Knowing the rules before spinning a prop is essential to air safety.

Drones are increasingly becoming a flight safety concern for professional pilots. The majority of UAVs in the air are operated by people with little to no understanding of current air regulations. Similar to the danger of pointing lasers towards cockpits, pilots are seeing an increase in drone sightings around airports. These are distractions that make critical phases of a flight very dangerous for pilots and their passengers.