Drone and UAV Safety Basics

Key Hazards

• Loss of control or unexpected aircraft movement
• Striking workers, vehicles, structures, or equipment
• Conflict with helicopters, airplanes, or other aircraft
• Falling equipment or debris after a collision or failure
• Distraction among the pilot, visual observer, or nearby workers
• Operating in unsafe weather, airspace, or site conditions

2–3 Minute Talk Script

Drones and unmanned aircraft systems can improve inspections, surveying, documentation, emergency response, and other workplace tasks, but they also introduce aviation and ground-level hazards that must be controlled before flight.

Every operation should have a clearly assigned remote pilot in command. That person is responsible for deciding whether the aircraft, crew, airspace, weather, and worksite conditions allow the flight to be completed safely.

The aircraft should be inspected before use, and the mission should be planned before takeoff. Launch and landing locations, nearby people, moving vehicles, power lines, cranes, structures, emergency landing areas, and changing work activities should all be considered.

Workers should never assume a small drone cannot cause serious harm. Propellers can cause cuts, and an aircraft that strikes a person or falls from altitude can cause significant injury or property damage.

The pilot and visual observer should remain focused on the operation. Phone calls, unrelated conversations, production pressure, and requests from bystanders can interfere with safe decision-making and communication.

Drones must give way to crewed aircraft. If a helicopter, airplane, or other aircraft approaches the operating area, the drone should be moved to a safe location or landed immediately as conditions require.

A safe flight may need to be delayed, changed, or cancelled because of wind, visibility, airspace restrictions, unexpected workers, equipment movement, battery condition, signal problems, or other hazards.

Drone safety depends on preparation, communication, and conservative decisions. The mission is never more important than protecting people, property, and other aircraft.

Safety Reminders

• Assign a qualified remote pilot in command for every operation.
• Inspect the aircraft, controller, batteries, and equipment before flight.
• Plan the flight path, launch area, landing area, and emergency options.
• Keep workers and bystanders away from active flight areas.
• Maintain awareness of crewed aircraft and changing site conditions.
• Stop or land when control, visibility, or safe separation cannot be maintained.
• Do not allow schedule pressure to override safe flight decisions.

Ask the Crew

• Who is the remote pilot in command for today’s operation?
• What people, equipment, structures, or aircraft could enter the flight area?
• Where are the planned and emergency landing locations?
• What conditions would require the flight to be delayed or terminated?
• How will the crew communicate hazards during the operation?