Stop the Government’s Takeover of Our Skies

          Now that the FAA has its way, Christmas will not mean joy for thousands of American kids this year. As they sing carols around the Christmas tree and open their presents (likely to include their first aeronautical dream: a drone), they are unaware that they will soon be learning to dance to a different tune, thanks to bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. Recently, regulations that govern the flying of drones have been instituted. Clearly, their intent was to prevent incidents that involve drones harming people or property. However, the latest FAA rules mandating registration of these flying machines overstep the boundaries of reasonable regulation. The government should not infringe on the rights of numerous hobbyists who just wish to pursue their passion, safely operating their models at a designated site.

          The government has set up a nationwide database containing a list of owners and their registered drones. A drone is identifiable by its government issued ID. However, such a system will not reduce the number of drone accidents: an irresponsible drone owner who attempts dangerous stunts is also likely to fly an unregistered craft.  Unlike car registrations, it is not practical to verify the identity and registration status of a drone operator, because there is no sky patrol system that will pull over a drone, find out its registration number (the number could be inside), and write the operator a ticket.  Of course, wrongdoers must be punished, but the registration requirement is ineffective in stopping offenders. The money spent on setting up a bureaucracy behind the registration system is better spent on education for potential operators of recreational aircraft.

          A major cause of reckless operation of drones is the fact that most people who buy them have no prior knowledge or experience with model aircraft. This alone is not a serious problem, as today’s innovations in electronics can compensate for a lack of piloting skills. Most drones come equipped with a GPS navigation system as well as a sophisticated gyrostabilization platform. However, should these features fail or behave erratically, the duty of controlling the aircraft falls on the proverbial shoulders of the pilot. Few individuals have the necessary training to readily take over the controls in such a situation. The government should recognize that drones are here to stay, and that the only way to encourage their safe use is to steer potential pilots to aeromodeling clubs for appropriate instruction. For fixed-wing model aircraft, these clubs have a decades-long record of nurturing generations of responsible modelers.

          Unregulated use of drones poses several risks – from hurting people in a crash to invading their privacy. Drones, like any other technological innovation, can be a serious threat when misused. Most people buy one to have a flying camera, not realizing that it is a heavy aircraft suspended in the air by an electronic miracle, ready to unleash its potential energy at the slightest malfunction. Often, owners forget to use simple common sense and do things that are outright reckless – flying over people, not knowing that the drone could come crashing down at any moment; flying near buildings, not realizing that the wind could smash the drone right into a window; flying near a full-scale airport, not caring about the safety of the passengers onboard an aircraft; flying over private property, not thinking about getting the owner’s consent – all to get a shot that they can post to public media.  This is another place for the government to step in and guide and educate them to make the right decisions.

          Drones are useful. Drones are the future. The next decade will see a revolution in the design and features of these machines. Just like automobiles a century ago, drones are a novelty but will become ubiquitous in our daily life. Rather than putting roadblocks, the government should go out of its way to encourage the development of this technology and the public’s interest in it. A drone Christmas gift may well send a child on a path to becoming an engineer inspired by the childhood hobby. The kid should be encouraged in this pursuit, rather than being burdened with paperwork.

          The current FAA rules will not make our skies safer. They will make our hearts suffer. They will waste a unique opportunity for the government to make a lasting impact by encouraging the development of an exciting technology. The FAA must reconsider their approach to the inevitable problems that arise when innovations happen. Yet innovations are what drives progress and should be encouraged and supported.