Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), also known as drones, are becoming more common. This increases the risk of conflicts between drones and crewed aircraft.
Workshop participants raised concerns about drones operating near aerodromes, poor compliance with Part 101 requirements and limited awareness between drone operators and pilots.
What you can do
You can reduce the risk by:
- staying alert near aerodromes and other low-level flying areas
- using effective visual scanning techniques
- checking NOTAMs and other pre-flight information for drone activity and airspace restrictions
- reporting unsafe drone operations
- learning where drones can operate and their operating limits
- encouraging local communication between pilots and drone operators.
- Pilots using non-controlled aerodromes should remember that drones may be operating near approach and departure paths.
For more information, see the drone safety rules.
What we have done
We continue to educate drone operators, monitor compliance and take enforcement action where needed. We also promote the Part 101 rules to help drone operators understand where they can fly and how to operate safely around crewed aircraft.
We use occurrence reports and safety data to find emerging risks and decide where to focus education and regulatory action.
Read more information about RPAS operational requirements.