For anyone wanting to fly their drone this summer, it is important that you have a pre-flight checklist. This should include looking at all equipment, the temperature, and weather conditions. As well as making sure there are no other aircraft or restrictions in your area. You can check FAA No Drone Zone for more information about restricted airspace. Having a safety checklist is important because it can help prevent accidents.
Now, whether you are a commercial (Part 107) or hobby flyer, these are five things you need to be mindful of when in the air.
1. People
When flying, make sure you are not flying over people. This is not only polite, but it also falls under FAA rules.
Flying your drone is not allowed on University of Kentucky properties. Commercial drone use is banned unless there is approval from the university. Drones are allowed for research or educational purposes only if registered and approved by the UK Event Management Office.
2. Obstacles: Trees, Powerlines, Buildings, etc.
Stay away from any obstacles in your flight path. This can include but is not limited to nearby trees, power lines, buildings, or anything else that you can see.
You also need to pay attention to obstacles that are out of your flight path. If anything happens to your drone or the controller link, the drone can fly out of control and hit these objects. A sudden change in wind direction or wind speed can also cause your drone to go off the planned flight path. So, stay away from immediate obstacles, but also know where other ones could be.
3. Wildlife: Horses, Birds, etc.
You know what else is unpredictable? Horses, birds and other wildlife.
Before flying, check the area for nearby animals. The sound of your drone can scare them once you are in the air. This is especially important around horses, since they get spooked easily. This can create a safety risk for you, the riders, or any bystanders if the horse reacts negatively.
There are about 450 horse farms, two racetracks, and one equestrian competition venue in Lexington. On average, there are 22,000 horses in Lexington year-round. During race season in April and October there can be an additional 1,300 horses in the area. Keeneland sales can bring in about 3,500 or more Thoroughbreds. With all these horses around, it is important that you know where you can fly without disturbing their environment. Thoroughbreds are one of the most common breed in the area. They also are known for being easily spooked. This is why it is important to know what land you are flying over.
In the sky, birds pose a danger because they can hit your drone when you are in the air. This may lead to broken propellers and your drone falling to the ground. In the event you run into a flock of birds, remember that it is easier for your drone to lower its altitude quickly than climb.
4. High Wind Warnings
If a high wind warning pops up when you are flying it should be taken seriously. You can check the National Weather Service to find the wind speed and direction before you fly. Most mini drones can handle gusts up to 15 mph. While most medium-sized drones have a threshold up to 22-25 mph before a warning goes off. To find your drone’s wind gust limit you can look at the user manual.
One way to get notified about high winds in your area is to sign up for LexAlerts. This is the emergency notification system for Fayette County. Receiving these emergency alerts can help you to know about missing persons, health threats, community emergencies, and severe weather in your area.
High wind speed is typically stronger at higher altitudes, so when you see a wind warning, immediately lower your altitude. If the warning stops, then you can continue to fly at that lower altitude. If it continues, then you should immediately land and resume flying when the wind gusts lower.
The more you are out flying, the more you will get to know your drone. You should never ignore a warning, especially a weather warning.
5. Lightning
You should never try to fly if there is even a chance of lightning in your area. Lightning strikes can cause electrical damage and melt parts of your drone. This will cause your drone to fall out of the sky causing harm to any people or things in the area.
With summer comes heat, so keep your batteries out of the direct sun and shorten flights so your batteries do not overheat. Remembering these safety tips will help you stay safe and have fun when flying.
It is up to you to fly safe!
Article by: Rachel Warren
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
RSS