Enthusiasts dismayed over drone misuse

Many amateur drone enthusiasts do not follow several safety rules and end up breaking the law, mostly due to ignorance.

Local drone enthusiasts and operators expressed dismay at yet another misuse of a drone following the closure of Dubai International Airport on Wednesday morning.
Mishap: Drone at it again; forces closure of Dubai airport
Dubai resident Ryan Copeland, for example, noted that the incident is "obviously very disappointing and reckless on the part of the drone operator.
"The no-fly zones and rules for flying drones are well established and authorities have done a lot to raise awareness and registration over the last year," he added.
Rule: An airport is no place to fly a drone
Copeland also noted that many drones come with built-in features that make it difficult to operate them around airports.
"It's worth noting that the most popular consumer drones in the market, by DJI and 3D Robotics, for example, are pre-programed by their manufacturers to not be able to take off or fly near designated airports," he said. "These types of drones nevertheless get unfairly demonised by the press."
Necessity: Urgent need to implement drone laws in UAE
Additionally, Copeland noted that there are "many types and sizes of drones.
"I can't comment on this incident, but it turns out the drone which flew down airspace last year was in fact a large wing design, not a consumer grade multi-rotor," he said. "I'd also point out that the racing drones I fly weigh less than .5kg and fly well under 400 feet.
"Myself and the pilots I fly with are all aware of the regulations, in touch with the authorities and have been flying for years now with 100 per cent spotless safety record and zero incidents," he added.
John Falchetto - a qualified commercial pilot and flight instructor whose Dubai-based business, Quest Films, specialises in drone-based aerial photography - said irresponsible drone operators "give a bad name to drones".
"The actions of a few reckless individuals manage to tarnish the hard work of a lot of professionals who follow procedures and permit systems," he said.
Falchetto noted that for his commercial operations, he must get permission from the Dubai Film Commission, Dubai Police, the Ministry of Defence, and the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, as well as from the owners of the property or buildings his drones fly over. Additionally, an MOD officer must be present during the duration of the flight to monitor what is captured on camera.
"Unfortunately, many amateur drone enthusiasts do not follow these steps and end up breaking the law, mostly by ignorance," he added. To prevent drone mishaps, Falchetto said that "hopefully one day drones will carry a transponder-like device which allows the airport radar to track them.
"Each one will have a specific call-sign which will be registered to an owner, just like a number plate on a car," he noted. "This will probably decrease the number of incidents of reckless flying above airports."
bernd@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai