With the rapid development of the drone industry, more and more people are beginning to contact and use drones, but this trend is also accompanied by the emergence of the problem of "illegal flying".
From the perspective of laws, regulations and public safety, the phenomenon of "illegal flying" undoubtedly hides many hidden dangers and risks. So as a drone flying enthusiast, how can you effectively avoid the "illegal flying" of drones? Let's talk about it together.
What is "illegal flying" of drones?
Generally speaking, "illegal flying" of drones refers to those unauthorized or illegal flights. Including flying in no-fly zones, flying over private or sensitive areas without permission, and other behaviors that fail to comply with flight regulations and laws.
This kind of "illegal flying" of drones poses a potential risk to flight safety, personal privacy and public order. In serious cases, they will bear corresponding legal responsibilities and even be punished by criminal law.
What are the hazards of "illegal flying"?
The safety risks caused by illegal drone flights are huge. Due to the lack of effective training, if the pre-flight inspection is not in place and the operation is improper during flight, it is very easy to have mid-air failures, which may lead to accidents such as uncontrolled crashes. The main hazards are as follows:
Flight safety risks: illegal drone flights may interfere with the normal operation of civil aviation and other aircraft, increasing the possibility of high-risk events such as mid-air collisions.
Privacy infringement: illegal drone flights may intrude into private living spaces or take pictures of sensitive areas without authorization, which may cause serious violations of others' privacy.
Security threats: criminals may use illegal drone flights to commit illegal acts, such as illegally transporting prohibited items or carrying out terrorist attacks.
Public order issues: illegal drone flights may interfere with public gatherings and large-scale events, causing disorder and even safety hazards.
This month, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) took strict measures against unsafe and unauthorized drone flights, proposing a civil fine of $340,000 against 27 individuals who violated federal regulations. This enforcement action covers illegal flights between October 2022 and June 2024, highlighting the agency's commitment to maintaining airspace safety.
The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024 increases the penalty standards for drone operators who violate regulations. Violators will now face a fine of up to $75,000 per violation. In addition, the Federal Aviation Administration also reserves the power to suspend or revoke pilot licenses for unsafe or unauthorized operations.
How to avoid "illegal flying"?
As a drone flying enthusiast, how to abide by the rules and regulations and effectively avoid drone "illegal flying"?
1. Comply with laws and regulations
Fly drones reasonably and normally in accordance with FAA regulations. This includes drone registration, drone flight altitude, drone Remote ID, drones within visual range, drones cannot fly over crowds, drone night flight regulations, no-fly zones in large event areas and military agencies, etc., to nip illegal drone flights in the bud.
- Drones weighing more than 250g need to be registered
- Drones need to be equipped with Remote ID
- Always keep the drone within sight
- Drones should not fly above 400 feet
- Drones should not fly over crowds
- Drones need to turn on warning lights when flying at night
- Airports, prisons, government offices, and military activity areas are controlled airspace. Please do not take off in no-fly zones
- When flying commercial drones for commercial activities, drone pilots need to obtain a remote flight drone license.
2. Pre-flight inspection
Check the status of the drone before flight to ensure that the equipment is in good condition and meets the flight conditions. Warning lights should be turned on for night flights; do not control the flight after drinking, in unsuitable weather, or over crowded places to avoid accidental damage.
3. Strictly prohibit infringement of others' privacy
Without permission, drones shall not enter non-open areas such as other people's homes and offices, and shall not use drones to engage in activities that infringe on others' privacy, such as spying, secretly photographing, recording, and videotaping; drones shall not be used to carry out other acts that violate laws and regulations.
How to fight against illegal drones?
According to FAA statistics: As of August 8, 2024, the number of registered drones reached 782,203, and the number of remote pilots certified reached 852,456.
As the number of drones has increased dramatically, related issues have surfaced. How to effectively detect and counter drones and prevent the privacy and security risks brought by drones has become the focus of attention in the fields of security and defense.
Anti-drone system, also known as drone countermeasure system, is a device or system specifically used to counter drones. Its purpose is to interfere with and destroy the operating functions or flight capabilities of drones through technical means, so as to drive away or damage drones.
Skyfend anti-drone equipment combines the latest and most comprehensive interference technology and means to detect drones in all frequency bands, interfere with drones, decoy drones, return drones or drive them away, and reduce the impact of illegal drones.
