Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations - SM4 Safety Articles & Resources

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Woman performing control tasks with drone.

Beyond Part 107: Enhancing Drone Pilot Skills for Safety and Performance

As a licensed drone pilot, you can fly commercial missions, embark on exciting new adventures, hone your skills and earn money. Your Part 107 license is an important start on your training journey. However, additional training beyond Part 107 is crucial. You should invest in your future and strive to become the best drone pilot you can be!

Posted on May 2, 2023
emergency response training

Managing In-Flight Emergencies in the Age of Advanced Air Mobility

By 2030, the global eVTOL aircraft market will transport 27 million passengers. Some vehicles will have a single pilot, while others will operate remotely or autonomously with only civilian passengers. Therefore, the companies commercialising this space have a duty of care to their employees and customers to ensure the safety of all on board.

Posted on September 6, 2022
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Safety Reporting: Crewed and Un-Crewed

It’s an exciting time to be part of the expanding UAS industry. It has been a whirlwind to watch the growth from its earliest days until now. Over the next few years, it will continue that evolution and expand in tandem with regulatory standards and guidelines for its safe operation.

Posted on September 6, 2022
drone night flight

Safety Risks and Benefits of Flying a Drone at Night

It’s true that more commercial and personal small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) are populating the skies, not only during daytime hours, but also at night. The FAA reports 260,276 certified drone pilots in the U.S. as of January 2022. As flying a drone at night becomes more popular, it is important to weigh the inherent safety risks and benefits of night flight and to take into account some safety practices.

Posted on January 31, 2022
Man flying drone at sunset

15 Steps to Starting and Running a Successful Drone Business

Thinking about starting a drone business as a side gig or as a main source of income? Doing so can seem like an overwhelming task, but having a plan and doing things the right way can make it more attainable (and profitable). Here are 15 steps that will help you on your way to developing a successful drone business.

Posted on February 3, 2021
Drone flying through downtown

Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Optimizing Operational Capabilities During the Pandemic

I think it’s safe to say that we are all waiting for the day when we can put COVID‐19 behind us and “get back to normal.” However, the reality is that this pandemic will continue to affect how we live our lives and conduct business for years to come.

Posted on October 30, 2020
Man flying drone

Contracting Drone Operators: Pros and Cons for Your Organization

The use of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) among corporate and government entities has risen steadily since 2016, following publication of federal sUAS regulations (Part 107). Many organizations have seen the potential sUAS have to increase efficiency, improve safety and enhance capabilities, and are leveraging these advantages.

Posted on June 26, 2020
Drone flying in front of airplane

Preparing for and Understanding Remote ID

Over the last decade, Civil Aviation Authorities worldwide have had to tackle the challenge of integrating unmanned aircraft into traditional airspace systems. As drones have increased in popularity, it has…

Posted on March 26, 2020
Man flying drone at sunset

The 5 Essential Steps of UAS Site Assessments

Most often, the crucial moment for avoiding an accident in aviation—whether you’re the pilot of a manned craft or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)—is not when you’re airborne, but when…

Posted on November 6, 2019